Gunmen kill labourer in failed kidnap attempt in Kwara village
By: Zagazola Makama
A 40-year-old labourer, Abdullahi Shuaibu, was shot and killed in the early hours of Sunday during a failed kidnap attempt by suspected bandits in Ekko village, near Lafiagi in Kwara State.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred at about 1:50 a.m. when gunmen stormed the residence of Alhaji Idris Jibril, 50, firing sporadically in what appeared to be a targeted abduction attempt.
According to residents, the attackers could not gain access into the house, but in the process, Shuaibu who was sleeping in front of the building was struck in the head by a bullet and died instantly.
Sources said the gunmen fled the scene after failing to carry out the abduction, leaving behind signs of the violent attack.
Community members later discovered three spent AK-47 rifle shells at the scene, further fueling suspicions of bandit involvement.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the assailants and restore calm in the area.
The victim’s body has since been evacuated and deposited at a nearby mortuary for autopsy.
Residents of Ekko and neighbouring communities have called for increased security patrols, citing growing concerns over repeated threats from armed groups.