At least five civilians and three soldiers were killed in a coordinated attack by suspected bandits in Mari and Dina communities, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Thursday. Heavily armed assailants stormed the rural settlements, firing indiscriminately and abducting an unspecified number of women and children, according to local sources. Residents fled into nearby bushes as the attackers moved through the villages, with some shot while attempting to escape. "People ran in different directions when the shooting started. Some were hit while trying to escape. It was chaotic and frightening," one resident said.
Military personnel from the Forward Operational Base in Patigi were deployed following distress calls but were ambushed en route. A source said the attackers had taken strategic positions, unleashing heavy fire that killed three soldiers and led to the destruction of a military patrol vehicle, which was set ablaze. "They operated for a long time and moved with many of our people into the forest. We do not know where they are," another source added. The attack mirrors a surge in violence across Kwara, including a February assault that left dozens dead and homes destroyed. Authorities have linked recent incidents to suspected jihadist factions operating in forested zones. Military officials did not respond to requests for comment.
The ambush of a military response unit—resulting in three soldiers' deaths—shows these attackers are not merely opportunistic bandits but increasingly capable of tactical operations. The fact that the assailants anticipated troop movement suggests either advanced planning or infiltration of security channels. For residents of Patigi, this means even official intervention may no longer guarantee safety, only greater risk. Without verified military engagement or transparent updates, fear will continue to outpace reassurance.
