No fewer than seven people were killed when gunmen suspected to be members of the new terrorist group, Mahmuda, attacked communities in Baruten and Kaiama local government areas of Kwara State.

The assailants, it was gathered, who were on military camouflage riding motorcycles, stormed a market square at 9:30 pm on Monday and opened fire on the residents before they zoomed off.

Four Fulanis, a vigilante and a 19-year-old youth who were hit by a stray bullet reportedly lost their lives during the deadly incident.

According to a resident of the area, the fresh incident is coming in the wake of a similar attack the same day in neighbouring Kaiama where a vigilante was killed.

Speaking on the Baruten incident, a source said: “We suspect that they came with a premeditated motive because they fired at the Fulanis at close range shooting them in the head. The vigilante was holding a dane gun and they saw him as a threat. But the boy was hit by a stray bullet.

“The place is a very popular trading spot with a lot of business and commercial activities. It was a sudden attack believed to be a reprisal over alleged collaboration with the security agencies against the terrorists”.

Confirming the incident, police spokeswoman, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the “two grievous incidents that occurred on Sunday in Baruten and Kaiama are under investigation.

“At about 2130hrs, suspected armed men, numbering ten, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot.

“As a result, six persons identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu and three others lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.

“The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment. An investigation has been initiated, and full security measures have been implemented to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“In a related incident earlier the same day at about 1130hrs, a Kemanji-based vigilante group on routine foot patrol encountered suspected bandits within the Kainji National Park area.

“In the course of the gun duel, three of the suspected bandits suffered fatal gunshot wounds and a member of the vigilante, Yusuf Samba was shot and later succumbed to gunshot injury.

“Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation”, she said.

Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has led a high power delegation including top military and intelligence chiefs to visit Kaiama to assess security concerns and reinforce inter-agency collaboration across border communities.

Accompanying the Governor was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General O.G. Onubugu, the Brigade Commander, Sobi Cantonment, Brigadier General E.B. Barkins, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, the Director of the Department of State Services, Mr Michael Aganwu and Alh Aliyu Muyideen, the Senior special adviser on security matters to the Governor.

According to Adetoun, “The team held a strategic security interface with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh Muazu Shehu Omar (Bagidi ki Yaru IV) and other critical stakeholders.

“Deliberations focused on the security architecture within Kemenji, Karoji, and the Kainji National Park axis.”

“The command assures residents of Kaiama, Baruten, and adjoining communities that adequate security deployments are in place and being reinforced to forestall any threat to peace and order.

“Citizens are urged to go about their lawful activities without fear, while remaining vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement. Let it be clearly stated that any individual or group attempting to undermine the safety of our communities will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law”, she added.