Tension has once again engulfed Kakafu village in Lade District, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State after suspected bandits struck in a late-night raid, killing a local vigilante commander. The victim, identified as Tetengi, was shot dead around 10pm on Wednesday while attempting to repel the heavily armed attackers, who stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately.
The attack sparked panic across the village, with residents fleeing for safety amid fears that several people may have been abducted. While the exact number of kidnapped victims remains unclear, locals lamented that distress calls for security reinforcements went unanswered. Many described Tetengi as a fearless defender who died standing up to the gunmen, urging authorities to step up action against the worsening wave of banditry.
The escalating insecurity has already forced officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Patigi and Edu LGAs to abandon their posts and lock up their offices. Security insiders revealed that intelligence operatives had warned the staff to stay away from the volatile area, describing them as “soft targets” for bandits. Lade town, once bustling, now wears the look of a deserted settlement after repeated attacks.
Sources within the security community admitted that fears of INEC staff being kidnapped are very real, warning that such an incident would embarrass the nation and put the Tinubu administration under pressure. One official disclosed that while staff were advised to seek clearance before resuming duty, many are simply unwilling to take the risk.
The closure of INEC offices has already crippled the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, leaving residents frustrated. Staff members also revealed that the commission’s chairman had made it clear there would be no funds to pay ransom in case of abductions, further dampening morale.
“Who is safe?” one official asked. “If bandits could attack a community barely two hours after the governor’s visit, then what chance do ordinary workers have?”
