The serene atmosphere of Patigi Local Government Area in Kwara State was shattered on the night of August 30, 2025, when a group of unidentified gunmen stormed a mosque during evening prayers, resulting in the tragic death of a worshipper and escalating anxieties over the area’s increasing vulnerability to violent attacks. The victim, 45-year-old Alhaji Dahiru, became the latest casualty in a series of assaults that have plagued the region, forcing residents of several villages to abandon their homes in search of safety. The incident highlights the growing insecurity in the region and underscores the urgent need for effective measures to protect vulnerable communities.
According to preliminary reports, the gunmen’s initial objective appeared to be the abduction of Alhaji Dahiru. However, when he resisted their attempts, they resorted to fatal violence, shooting him on the spot before fleeing the mosque. This brazen attack, occurring within a place of worship, has sent shockwaves through the community and intensified fears about the escalating boldness of criminal elements operating in the area. The incident underscores the erosion of safety and security, even in traditionally sacred spaces, and highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in containing the rising tide of violence.
The Kwara State Police Command has responded to the incident by launching a full-scale investigation aimed at apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. Ejire Adetoun, the spokesperson for the command, confirmed the attack and described it as “quite unfortunate,” emphasizing the commitment of the police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the event and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The directive from the Kwara Commissioner of Police for a discreet and thorough investigation signals a determination to address the growing security concerns within the LGA and restore a sense of safety to the affected communities.
This recent attack is not an isolated incident but rather the latest in a string of violent occurrences that have plagued Patigi LGA in recent times. The area has become increasingly susceptible to attacks by armed groups, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents. The repeated assaults have driven many villagers to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere, disrupting livelihoods and contributing to a sense of displacement and vulnerability. This exodus of residents underscores the severity of the security situation and the urgent need for interventions to address the root causes of the violence and restore stability to the region.
The incident involving Alhaji Dahiru follows closely on the heels of another tragic event just three months prior, when the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lade Ward, Mari Village, was killed along with his son and another individual. In a separate incident during the same period, a 12-year-old girl named Hassana Abdullahi was abducted from a Fulani camp in Lile Village, further highlighting the vulnerability of the region to various forms of criminal activity. These incidents collectively paint a grim picture of the security landscape in Patigi LGA, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to tackling the challenges posed by armed groups and criminal networks operating in the area.
The ongoing violence in Patigi LGA necessitates a coordinated effort involving security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to address the underlying causes of the insecurity and implement strategies to protect vulnerable communities. This may include increased security patrols, intelligence gathering, community engagement initiatives, and addressing potential socio-economic factors that contribute to criminal activity. Moreover, it is crucial to ensure that perpetrators of these violent acts are brought to justice swiftly and decisively, sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated. Ultimately, restoring peace and stability in Patigi LGA requires a collaborative and sustained effort to create a secure environment where residents can live without fear and pursue their livelihoods without facing the constant threat of violence.
