When residents of Oke-Ode, a once serene farming community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, awoke to the thunder of gunfire on Sunday, September 28, 2025, they never imagined the devastation that would follow.
What began as sporadic gunshots soon turned into a coordinated onslaught that left 15 people dead, homes deserted, and families scattered.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack — carried out by heavily armed bandits — erased decades of peace in the town known for its agrarian stability.
A Community In Ruins
By the time the gunfire subsided, the town’s hunters, vigilantes, traders, and even a traditional leader lay lifeless. Those who survived recounted a night of terror, where even courage was met with overwhelming firepower.
Among the dead were Abdulwasiu Abdulkareem, the Baale (village head) of Ogba Ayo; his brother, Fatai Abdulkareem; Prince Ishola Muhammed from Agunjin; and Abdulfatai Elemosho from Babaloma.
Their names now echo across empty streets — reminders of a community that once thrived but now mourns in silence.
“We Gave Them Fire For Fire” – Hunter Recounts Battle
A local hunter who narrowly escaped death narrated the chaos that unfolded when the attackers arrived.
“It is someone who has not seen a real fight that calls himself a man. It was a tough battle. Those people came with sophisticated weapons. We tried our best, but we were overwhelmed. We gave them fire for fire; the bandits were many,” he said.
The hunter alleged that a military officer had collected their guns a day before, claiming he wanted to “service” them, only for the attack to follow soon after.
“Immediately he collected the guns, he kept them in the house with bullets. He slept at Ajase, and maybe it was one of those supplying the guns that hinted them that the guns had been recovered from us,” he said, expressing suspicion about the timing.
He concluded in anguish, “If the guns had not been collected, they wouldn’t have been able to do that. They were able to attack us because we had insufficient guns and bullets.”
Grief That Won’t Fade
In Ogba-Ayo Quarters, the tragedy deepened when gunmen stormed the home of the Baale. A relative, speaking in a trembling voice, recalled:
“It was early in the morning, and I was sleeping when I started hearing gunshots. I quickly climbed the roof to hide. After about 30 minutes, I came down and saw my brother — the baale – his younger brother, and son lying dead in a pool of blood.”
Women Left In Tears
From her hideout, Gbemisola Muhammed, also known as Yeye Oge, mourned her husband’s death — Prince Ishola Muhammed, who was ambushed and killed.
“On Saturday night, he told me not to travel after dark because he had a premonition,” she said. “He went for a hunters’ meeting the next morning… That was the last time I heard his voice.”
The widow recalled how bandits tried to abduct her sister-in-law, leaving the family in ruins. “Now, I am a widow,” she wept.
Families Wiped Out, Babies Kidnapped
Reports indicate that a man named Taiye, his wife, and their two-month-old baby were kidnapped in Dabu village.
A popular local doctor, Baba Gold, was also abducted along with his wife and children.
“They killed Oluode Ologomo, a powerful hunter whose charms used to protect him. They stripped him of his amulets before shooting him,” another villager revealed.
Mass Exodus and Deserted Town
By midweek, Oke-Ode had emptied. From Ajase-Ipo to the village, residents fled in over 200 vehicles, abandoning farmlands and schools.
“The whole town has emptied,” one commercial driver said. “The criminals might take over after killing the Baale and the vigilantes.”
Even the School of Nursing, Oke-Ode, relocated its 700 students to Ilorin.
Dr. Nasirudeen Tajudeen, a lecturer, said: “We could not take chances with their safety. Accommodation has been secured in Ilorin.”
Government and Police Response
Superintendent of Police (SP) Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Kwara Police spokesperson, assured that joint operations with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies were underway.
She said, “We are not leaving anything to chance. We’re intensifying operations to ensure calm is restored.”
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq later announced plans to form a civilian task force to strengthen local security.
“They will not die in vain,” the governor said. “We will not spare the criminals behind their deaths.”
okay.ng reports that discussions are also ongoing to assist victims and upgrade local infrastructure across Edu and Patigi areas.
