In a chilling reminder of growing insecurity in parts of Nigeria, armed bandits have reportedly abducted a police officer in Kwara State, raising fears over the safety of law enforcement personnel and citizens alike.
The victim has been identified as Ezra John, attached to the Lade Division, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to local sources, Officer John was kidnapped on the Patigi–Lade road while returning from official duty at Patigi General Hospital.
The Patigi–Lade route has been flagged in several reports as a trouble zone, with frequent criminal activity and attacks.
State police command confirmed the development, though full details including motive, number of abductors, or their demands are still emerging.
The abduction has stirred deep concern among residents and local leaders. A former state commissioner has decried the worsening security situation in Kwara, emphasizing that such daring attacks reflect broader governance and safety failures.
Many voices in the community are now calling for intensified security operations, better patrols on vulnerable roads, and more robust collaboration between state and federal security agencies.
This incident comes amid a broader wave of banditry and kidnappings across parts of Kwara and adjoining states. Earlier in the month:
A notorious kidnap kingpin known as Maidawa and some of his cohorts were reportedly killed by airstrikes in forested areas linked to Isanlu-Isin, in response to previous massacres in Oke-Ode.
In a separate attack in Motokun and Agboro communities (Patigi LGA), bandits killed a police officer, abducted villagers, and attacked private property.
The recurring pattern suggests that criminals are emboldened, exploiting gaps in surveillance and the difficulty of policing rural roads in forested terrain.
Rescue efforts are ongoing. Security forces from the Kwara State Police Command and federal agencies have reportedly been informed and dispatched to locate and free the abducted officer.
Community vigilance is crucial. Local residents and motorists are urged to report suspicious movements or gatherings, particularly along Patigi–Lade and connecting rural roads.
Long-term strategy needed. Beyond reactionary operations, authorities must bolster intelligence gathering, invest in rural security infrastructure, and integrate community policing to deter future attacks.
