The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has claimed that no fewer than 507 people were killed and at least 377 abducted by terrorists across the state between January and November 2025.
The party made the allegation on Monday during a press conference in Ilorin, where its state chairman, Hon. Bawa Adamu, cited findings attributed to the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).
According to Adamu, the most affected local government areas include Ifelodun, Patigi, Edu, Ekiti, Isin and Irepodun, describing the scale of violence as unprecedented in the state’s recent history.
“A recent study by ICIR revealed that between January and November 2025, over 507 persons were killed and at least 377 abducted across major flashpoints in Kwara,” Adamu said.
He listed a series of attacks, including the killing of nearly 100 vigilantes in Patigi, the abduction of 38 worshippers in Eruku, kidnappings in Babanla, Isapa and Agbeku communities, as well as other incidents that he said remain unreported.
The PDP chairman also recalled the September 28 attack on Oke-Ode community, where more than 15 people were reportedly killed and properties destroyed.
He alleged that a day before the attack, a man described as a military officer visited the community and disarmed local hunters and vigilantes under the pretext of servicing their weapons, after which bandits struck hours later.
Represented at the briefing by the party’s state secretary, Hon. Kayode Abdullahi Alase, Adamu said the insecurity has led to displacement, destruction of livelihoods and widespread fear across affected communities.
Reacting to a viral video showing suspected bandits arrested by the Nigerian Army in Auchi, Edo State, allegedly using a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government, the PDP said the development raises “serious questions” for the Kwara State Government.
In the video, the suspects allegedly claimed that AK-47 rifles and the patrol vehicle were supplied by officials of the Kwara State Government.
“This is a direct allegation of state-sponsored criminality that must not be swept under the carpet,” Adamu said, calling on the Federal Government to set up an independent probe panel to investigate the claims.
However, the Kwara State Government has denied the allegations, distancing itself from any involvement in supplying arms to criminals.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, the government said no state authority has the power to issue AK-47 rifles to individuals, adding that the suspects did not explicitly state that the weapons were supplied by the Kwara State Government.
The government explained that the patrol van was earlier provided to vigilantes by Ifelodun Local Government to support security operations, but was not returned after the vigilantes were withdrawn from the area.
The statement urged the public and online platforms to avoid misinformation, stressing that investigations are ongoing and that misrepresentation could threaten public peace.
Hammed Shittu
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