Armed bandits have killed four people, as well as looted shops, hotels and homes in Babanla area of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.

The invaders struck the unsuspecting villagers on market day.

It is reported that the assailants carted away food items and stole numerous commercial motorcycles.

The traditional ruler of the ancient town, Oba Adegboyega Yusuf Alabi, on Wednesday, while confirming the incident at a press conference, regretted that the community has the largest forest in the state.

He recalled that “on Friday, the 8th of August, our dear Babanla was struck by a cruel attack,” adding that he had informed the state government of the danger the forest poses to the community.

He said, “The bandits often use the forest as shield from where they launch attacks on us.”

The Oba listed that Babanla borders Patigi and Edu local governments and also Kogi State.

He recalled with regret that “bandits invaded our land, leaving sorrow and destruction behind.”

“We lost four precious souls, many hardworking traders lost their goods, shops were looted, hotels were destroyed, and countless youths who depend on their motorcycles for daily bread were stripped of their means of survival,” he regretted.

According to the septuagenarian monarch, the attack cuts deep into the fabric of the community.

“Today, I speak with a heavy heart. As the Chief Security Officer of Babanla, I feel the pain of every family that has lost a loved one, every mother who now weeps, every father whose hope has been shaken, every youth whose hope has been dashed, and every household now living in fear.

“Though our efforts have been tireless, I admit with regret that we have not been able to shield you from these evils fully, but I assure you peace will be restored,” he stated.

He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq for his selfless dedication to the welfare and security of the people, which he said remained a beacon of light in the challenging times.

He also appreciated the joint efforts of the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins; the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kwara, Mr. Mikel Oganwu; and Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen A. Yusuf, “for their tireless efforts in restoring normalcy to our community.”