By DAYO ADESULU
A quiet evening in the Gaa Fulani settlement of Iye-Mero, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, turned chaotic on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after armed bandits stormed the community, abducted several residents, and looted valuables before security forces intercepted them. The incident, which lasted between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., left residents gripped with fear as the attackers moved from house to house, carting away items including cash, mobile phones, ATM cards, clothing, jewellery, shoes, bags, and wristwatches.
The brazen operation reinvigorated long-standing concerns about the vulnerability of border communities in Ekiti, particularly those close to the forest corridors linking Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states. For years, locals have warned that these porous routes provide safe passage for criminal groups who slip across state lines after attacks.
Security Network, Soldiers Intercept Bandits
As the bandits attempted to escape with their victims, the Iye-Mero community security network mobilised quickly and intercepted them along one of the forest paths. Their response was further strengthened moments later when soldiers stationed in the axis arrived to reinforce the operation.
What followed was a prolonged and intense gun battle that echoed across the thick forests bordering the three states. Multiple sources described the confrontation as fierce, with heavy gunfire resonating through the trees as security operatives pushed deeper into the bush to corner the attackers.
According to community sources, the bandits soon realised they were outmatched. Under pressure, they abandoned all the kidnapped victims and fled into the deeper parts of the forest.
“All the abducted persons were rescued alive. The bandits realised they had been overpowered and took to their heels,” a security source confirmed.
Community Voices Renewed Concerns Over Border Security
Iye-Mero’s location—sharing boundaries with Eruku in Kwara State and Egbe in Yagba West, Kogi State—has long made it a target for cross-border criminal activity. Residents say armed groups frequently exploit the sprawling forests, which offer concealment and fast escape routes.
This latest attack has deepened frustrations, with locals once again urging stronger government action to secure the borders and dismantle the network of bush paths that embolden attackers.
Tensions Spill Into Kogi as Protest Over Killings Turns Deadly
The Ekiti incident came on the same day tensions flared in neighbouring Kogi State. Earlier Wednesday, the youth of Yagba East Local Government Area staged a peaceful march after two residents were reportedly killed during a morning bandit attack in Irunda Ile.
Eyewitnesses said the demonstration, which aimed to draw government attention to the escalating insecurity, quickly spiralled out of control. Security personnel deployed to the protest allegedly attempted to disperse the crowd, resulting in a confrontation that turned violent.
Multiple community sources revealed that security operatives opened fire during the clash, leaving two youths dead on the spot. Two more were confirmed to be on life support following the incident.
Residents described the tragic turn of events as a devastating layer to an already traumatic day.
“The youths were only protesting against the killings in the community. We never expected things to turn out this way,” one resident lamented, calling the situation a heartbreaking reminder of the insecurity gripping the region.
Growing Calls for Urgent Government Action
As bandits storm Ekiti community and insecurity spikes across neighbouring areas, community leaders, civil society groups, and concerned citizens are urging state and federal authorities to take decisive steps. Many argue that the recurring attacks demonstrate the need for coordinated operations across state lines, improved intelligence sharing, and the rapid deployment of more security personnel to vulnerable border towns.
The dual tragedy—an evening bandit attack in Ekiti and deadly protest fallout in Kogi—has further highlighted the urgency of restructuring rural security frameworks. Residents say they can no longer rely solely on local vigilante groups, who often respond courageously but lack the equipment needed to confront heavily armed attackers.
With tensions high and fear growing, communities across the three states are hoping the latest incidents will push security agencies and policymakers to implement stronger, long-term strategies to keep border regions safe.
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