By Taiwo Oguniyi/Ilorin
Ilorin Kwara – June 09, 2025
Suspected gunmen believed to be members of the dreaded ‘Mahmuda’ group on Sunday attacked Karongi, a border town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing one person and setting several houses ablaze.
The attackers reportedly struck around 6am when local vigilantes were either away for training or out of town for the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, leaving the community vulnerable. The siege lasted nearly five hours before reinforcements — including soldiers and vigilantes from neighbouring areas — arrived and repelled the attackers.
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The Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umoru Sariki, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with journalists. He said the gunmen took advantage of the town’s weak security presence during the Sallah holiday.
“Yes, the bandits from the Mahmuda group attacked Karongi around 6am. They killed one person and burned several homes. Our local vigilantes were not around. We had to mobilise assistance from other parts of the Emirate to confront them,” the monarch said.
The traditional ruler lamented the absence of a military presence in the area and appealed to the Federal Government to establish a base in or near Karongi.
“This attack shows how exposed our people are. The nearest military post is in Chikanda, which is far from here. We need soldiers close by to prevent this from happening again,” he added.
While the Kwara State Police Command had yet to comment on the incident as of press time, the Nigerian Army confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, Lt Stephen Nwankwo of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin.
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“Yes, our troops responded to the incident. One of the vigilantes who accompanied our soldiers was killed. Some temporary shelters were also set ablaze, but the attackers fled when they saw our men,” Nwankwo stated.
Karongi, which shares a border with the Benin Republic, has suffered increased insecurity in recent months due to its isolated location and lack of adequate security infrastructure.
Residents and traditional leaders are now urging both state and federal authorities to strengthen security in the area and prevent future attacks.
