Some yet-to-be-identified police officers deployed to the Owa Oniire area of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, have lamented the mass exodus of residents from the community.
The development is largely attributed to the activities of bandits, which have forced residents to abandon their homes.
Owa Oniire is located in Ifelodun Local Government area of Kwara State.
In a video seen, one of the police officers was heard expressing shock at the level of displacement, noting that it was the first time he had witnessed residents fleeing a community en masse due to bandit attacks.
“This is the first time I am seeing people run away in large numbers from a community due to bandits and kidnappers,” the unidentified policeman was heard saying in the video.
He further stated that only goats remained in the community, alleging that even the palace of the Owa Oniire had been abandoned.
“This community, only goats are left here, no sign of human being even the palace of the Owa Oniire is abandoned,” he further said.
The police officer made the remarks while some of his colleagues laughed, apparently reacting to the situation and the widespread displacement in the Kwara community.
For several months, residents of the state have been subjected to terror attacks that have resulted in kidnappings, killings, and the destruction of property.
Many people living in affected communities have been forced to abandon their homes and farms, particularly amid what residents have described as unfulfilled government promises to address the insecurity.
Recently, the media reported that residents of Igbowu community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State raised the alarm over an impending attack after suspected bandits allegedly delivered a handwritten threat message warning that the community would soon be invaded.
The development has heightened fears among residents, who are calling on security agencies and the Kwara State Government to take urgent preventive measures before the threat is carried out.
Residents who spoke with the media on Thursday disclosed that the suspected terrorists left handwritten inscriptions in the community, informing residents of their intention to launch an attack.
According to the residents, the message written by the suspected bandits reads: “Igbowu and get ready for us now bandit come.”
The threat has stirred anxiety among community members, many of whom fear that the warning may signal an imminent attack if security measures are not immediately strengthened.
Speaking to the media, some residents appealed to security agencies, local vigilante groups, and government authorities to act proactively rather than waiting for an attack to occur before responding.
The residents noted that communities across Kwara South have continued to suffer repeated incidents of kidnapping and attacks by armed groups, making the latest threat particularly alarming.