A growing wave of fear and uncertainty has gripped several communities in Kwara State following a string of violent attacks by a newly emerged terror group believed to be operating in parts of the North Central region of Nigeria. Residents in affected areas, particularly in Baruten, Kaiama, and parts of Edu Local Government Areas, have fled their homes in large numbers as the group’s activities escalate.

Local leaders, security sources, and civil society organizations have expressed deep concern over what appears to be a coordinated effort by the unidentified group to destabilize rural areas and create widespread panic among residents. The group, yet to be officially named by security authorities, is said to be heavily armed and operates from remote forest regions, launching night-time raids on unsuspecting communities.

A Surge of Violence Across Rural Communities

The terror group is reported to have carried out multiple attacks in the last three weeks, including the burning of houses, looting of food supplies, kidnapping of residents, and sporadic shootings. Victims and eyewitnesses describe the attackers as heavily armed young men dressed in black and moving in convoys of motorcycles — a tactic reminiscent of bandit operations in the North West.

In Gwanara district, one of the worst-hit areas in Baruten LGA, villagers have reported no fewer than five attacks since late March 2025. A local chief, who asked not to be named for security reasons, described the situation as terrifying.

“They stormed our village in the middle of the night, shooting randomly and shouting in a strange language. They kidnapped three people, including a woman, and carted away foodstuff. We are living in fear; many have abandoned their homes,” he said.

Government and Security Agencies Respond

The Kwara State Government, through a statement issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Ayinla, confirmed the attacks and said that security agencies have been deployed to the affected areas.

“The government is aware of the situation and is working with security operatives to restore normalcy. We urge our people to remain calm while we continue to coordinate efforts to secure their lives and properties,” the statement read.

Security sources revealed that military reinforcements have been sent from Ilorin to patrol the affected border areas with Niger and Kogi States. However, the rugged terrain and forest cover have made it difficult for security operatives to track the movement of the group.

An officer in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), speaking anonymously, said:

“These attackers are not ordinary bandits. Their operation is more coordinated, and they appear to have intelligence on community layouts and security weaknesses. We suspect a mix of foreign-trained fighters and local collaborators.”

Residents Flee in Droves

Dozens of families have reportedly relocated to safer towns such as Ilesha-Baruba, Bode Sadu, and even as far as Ilorin, the state capital. Temporary shelters have been created by local government authorities, but residents say they are overcrowded and lack basic amenities.

A displaced farmer, Musa Ibrahim, who fled from a village in Kaiama LGA with his wife and four children, said:

“We left with nothing but the clothes on our backs. I have lost my farm and don’t know if I will ever return. Everyone is scared. These people are not here to negotiate; they came to destroy.”

Calls for Federal Intervention

Kwara State lawmakers, including representatives from affected constituencies, have called on the Federal Government to take urgent action before the situation spirals out of control. In a motion presented at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Rasaq Owolabi urged the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Defence to deploy federal troops and intelligence support to the region.

“This is not just a Kwara issue — it is a threat to national security,” he said. “We cannot afford to let a terror cell gain a foothold in the North Central region.”

Civil society groups, including the Kwara Peace and Development Initiative (KPDI), have also called on the government to investigate the origins of the group and identify the possible links to known insurgent networks in the Sahel region.

Uncertainty as Schools and Markets Close

As fear spreads, several schools and local markets in the affected areas have shut down. Economic activities have ground to a halt in communities already grappling with poverty and underdevelopment.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) in Kwara issued a safety advisory on Friday, asking teachers in rural districts to stay away from school premises until further notice. Community leaders have urged the government to install early warning systems and increase the presence of law enforcement personnel in vulnerable areas.

Conclusion

The emergence of a new terror group in Kwara State adds a disturbing layer to Nigeria’s security challenges. As attacks increase and communities flee, questions are being raised about the preparedness of state and federal agencies to respond to unconventional threats outside traditional hotspots like the North East.

Until decisive action is taken to curb this insurgency, thousands of innocent citizens in Kwara may continue to live under the shadow of fear, losing their homes, livelihoods, and peace of mind.