Monday, April 21, 2025 - The Emir of Yashikira, Umoru Seriki, in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, has expressed deep concern over the growing presence of a terror group identified as 'Mahmuda' in parts of the Kwara North Senatorial District and neighboring Niger State.
In an interview, the traditional ruler decried what he
described as government neglect, stating that affected communities feel
abandoned in the face of escalating insecurity.
“We are
totally demoralized. We are not happy with the authorities denying the presence
of terrorists in our domains,” he said on Sunday, April 2o. “It is very
unfortunate. We have complained about this situation for a long time, but no
one seems to be listening.”
According to the Emir, the terror attacks have extended
beyond Baruten and Kaiama local governments in Kwara State to the Borgu Kingdom
in Niger State.
Recalling a recent attack, he revealed that a security
vehicle procured by the community for use by vigilante groups was destroyed by
the terrorists.
“We were
lucky our vigilantes survived the attack, although some sustained injuries.
Contrary to social media reports claiming 15 fatalities, the actual number of
casualties was less, though both sides suffered losses,” he explained. “What is
being reported online is largely true. We are just praying for divine
protection.”
However, the Kwara State Police Command has strongly refuted
the Emir’s claims. In a statement issued in Ilorin, the command denied the
existence of any terror group named 'Mahmuda' within Kaiama and Baruten Local
Government Areas.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun
Ejire-Adeyemi, ongoing intelligence surveillance and tactical operations have
not uncovered any insurgent activity or terrorist formations in the region
“The claim of 15 vigilantes being killed is entirely false
and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement read.
The command assured the public of the effectiveness of
security operations in the state, emphasising a multi-agency approach involving
the Nigeria Police Force and sister agencies. It maintained that no breach of
internal security has been observed in the affected communities.
“Our community engagement structures, including Vigilante
Commanders and District Heads, have not relayed any such incidents. This
confirms that some of the reports making the rounds are misleading and
inciting,” the police added.
Acknowledging the security sensitivities around the Kainji
Lake National Park and other border areas, the command urged media outlets and
the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause public
panic.
“The Kwara Police Command, under the leadership of CP
Adekimi Ojo, remains committed to protecting lives and property. We encourage
citizens to report suspicious activities through official channels for swift
response,” the statement concluded.
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