Residents of Egbe town in Yagba West Local Government Area have raised the alarm after bandits reportedly introduced a dangerous new tactic: spraying chemical substances inside homes to sedate victims before abduction.

Local security sources confirmed that two incidents occurred in the early hours of Monday, prompting urgent calls for heightened vigilance across the community.

In the first attack, two residents were kidnapped, while another narrowly escaped after sending a distress alert to local security personnel. By the time authorities arrived, the attackers had retreated into the bush with their captives.

Eyewitnesses reported that the intruders targeted the home of an ECWA Hospital staff member in Odorum around 11 pm. The bandits jumped the perimeter fence and spent over 90 minutes inside the compound, spraying a chemical described as similar to “turari,” which caused sudden weakness in those who inhaled it.

The resident, who was not in his usual room, regained enough strength to alert security forces. Vigilantes arrived swiftly, fired warning shots, and forced the attackers to flee, rescuing the potential victim.

Later in the day, another abduction attempt near Baba Labourer/Government Secondary School was foiled by Egbe vigilante operatives, preventing any kidnappings.

The use of chemicals has heightened fear in the community, signaling that bandits are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Residents have praised Egbe’s vigilantes for their courage, rapid response, and critical role in defending the town.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that in a separate incident last Tuesday, gunmen abducted a timber supplier and one of his workers in Okoloke, Yagba West. The attackers reportedly stormed the farm unexpectedly, shooting sporadically and forcing workers to flee, before seizing the victims and fleeing into the forest.

Communities in Yagba East and Yagba West LGAs, particularly those bordering Kwara State, have seen a disturbing rise in armed attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes in recent months, prompting heightened security concerns.