Bandits loot, vandalize Kwara community shops

Monday, March, 2 2026 - Bandits on Saturday attacked Gada Oli, a border community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, firing sporadically into the air and looting shops, including outlets selling food items and mobile phones.

Confirming the incident to The PUNCH on Sunday, the Special Assistant on Media to the Chairman of Kaiama LGA, ZulQharnain Shero Musa, said the attackers invaded the community near the border with Niger State.

“I can confirm that the incident occurred. Those bandits went to the border community between Kwara and Niger states known as Gada Oli. It is very close to Woro community,” he said.

According to him, the gunmen deliberately fired into the air to scare villagers and disperse them before carrying out their operation.

“They perpetrated their ugly act by shooting sporadically into the air to cause commotion and scare people away. Thank God no life was lost,” Musa stated.

Community sources disclosed that the assailants, who came on motorcycles in large numbers, looted several shops after residents fled for safety, particularly targeting phone stores and provision outlets.

A local source, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the attackers invaded the village at night, causing widespread panic.

“They entered the community on motorbikes and started shooting in the air to chase people away. After people ran, they entered phone stores and took phones,” the source said.

Providing further details, the media aide said the bandits carted away food items and other goods from shops within the village.

“They made away with properties, petrol sold on the black market. They stormed the shops and carted away food items such as rice, garri, and all sorts of consumables one can think of,” he added.

Despite the brazen nature of the attack, Musa noted that there was no confrontation between the bandits and security operatives during the incident.

“There was no interception that could lead to an exchange of gunfire,” he said.

The latest raid comes amid lingering fears in the area following a February 3, 2026, attack on Woro and Nuku communities, which reportedly left more than 200 residents dead and 176 others abducted.

Residents of Kaiama and surrounding communities continue to express anxiety over recurring security threats, calling for a sustained and permanent security presence to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the area.