Kwara Bandits kill 12 vigilantes including Baale of Ogbayo in Oke-Ode attack

‎At least 12 people, including the Baale of Ogbayo, were killed during a bandits’ attack early Sunday morning in Oke-Ode community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, police have confirmed.
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‎The armed assailants targeted local vigilantes around 7 a.m., resulting in swift security responses.
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‎The deadly raid unfolded in the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode, with bandits shooting sporadically and attacking vigilante members defending the community.
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‎According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, police and personnel from the National Forest Security Service arrived promptly following distress calls but found 12 vigilantes already dead. Four others were injured and taken to hospital for treatment, while the deceased bodies were evacuated from the scene. This follows a prior report indicating at least 15 vigilantes and hunters were killed in a similar raid in the same locality.
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The Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo described the killings as “heinous” and pledged to protect lives and property in Kwara State. A member of the local vigilante group known as Ajetunmobi expressed skepticism about official claims, telling reporters that the government was “economical with the truth” by stating the attackers were repelled.
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‎ Authorities have assured justice will be pursued as they ramp up ground patrols and collaboration with military forces to restore peace in affected areas.
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