Bandits kill community leader after evening prayers in Kwara

…another kidnap victim set free without ransom

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have shot dead a prominent resident, identified as Alhaji Gomina, in Lade community, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

THE PRIME NEWS gathered that the tragic incident occurred on Sunday night shortly after the victim had performed the Isha’i (evening) prayers at a local mosque.

Witnesses said he was on his way home when the assailants ambushed him and opened fire, killing him instantly before fleeing the scene.

The killing has plunged Lade and adjoining communities into grief. Residents described the deceased as a respected figure deeply committed to religious and community service.

Fear of further attacks has already forced many villagers across Patigi, Edu, and parts of Ifelodun and Ekiti Local Government Areas to abandon their homes, worsening the region’s security challenges.

Community members have appealed to the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts against bandit activities, warning that the prevailing insecurity could lead to more displacement if urgent measures are not taken.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the police command nor the state government had released an official statement on the incident.

Another kidnap victim, Adam Gbechi, a resident of Lata-Nna community, in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, has been set free without ransom payment.

He was abducted on Sunday during a brazen attack on the community by armed bandits.

THE PRIME NEWS gathered from a credible source that, Gbechi returned home safely on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after his captors allegedly demanded N150 million as ransom.

A relative of the victim who confirmed the development to Nupeko TV Lafiagi, insisted that the family did not pay the ransom.

When asked whether any money had been handed over, the source replied, “No.”

Gbechi was kidnapped on Sunday night alongside his brother, Aji Hajaworo, and a married woman.

Both Hajaworo and the woman miraculously escaped soon after the abduction but Gbechi remained in captivity.

His family had earlier raised concerns, saying they could not afford the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

The circumstances leading to his sudden release remain unknown, fueling speculation among residents about why the kidnappers decided to free him without payment.