Kidnapping: One killed, houses razed as vigilantes, hunters raid Fulani settlements

At least one person has been confirmed dead and several homes set ablaze following a violent raid on Fulani settlements by suspected vigilantes and local hunters in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident, which occurred around 3:40 p.m. on June 12, was reported by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, who cited police sources familiar with the matter.

According to the report, no fewer than 100 attackers stormed the Fulani communities of Latayi, Onashi, and Rogua villages to combat alleged kidnapping.

During the raid, they allegedly torched residential houses and food storage facilities, killed an unidentified Fulani man, and reportedly carted away N1 million in cash along with six motorcycles.

“The suspects, numbering about 100, allegedly invaded the Fulani settlements in Latayi, Onashi and Rogua villages under the guise of fighting kidnapping, setting houses and food stores on fire, killing a Fulani man (yet to be identified), and making away with N1 million in cash and six motorcycles,” police sources were quoted as saying.

In response to the unrest, a combined team of military personnel, police officers, and civil defence operatives has been deployed to the area to prevent further violence and forestall possible reprisals.

“The sources said that a team of military, police and civil defence personnel had been deployed to keep the peace and avert a reprisal attack, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the rogue vigilante suspects and recover the stolen items.”