Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday mourned the victims of a bandit attack in Kwara State that left at least 12 people dead, including local vigilantes and a community leader.

The assault took place on Sunday morning in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun district, where armed men stormed the Ogbayo area, opening fire on local forest guards and residents.

Police said 12 people were killed, among them 11 vigilantes and the Baale (traditional ruler) of Ogbayo. Four others were injured, while several residents were abducted.

“It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the tragic killings in Oke-Ode, Kwara State, where innocent lives, including vigilantes and the Baale of Ogbayo, were cut short,” Obi wrote on social media.

He urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security, adding that “no Nigerian should have to live in fear in their own home.”

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack as a “major setback” and pledged additional security deployments.

The Nigerian Army said it had launched operations against suspected hideouts in Kwara’s forests, though details of casualties from the raids were not immediately available.

The Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara criticised the state government over the killings, accusing it of failing to protect residents.

Obi also extends his condolences to the governor of the state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

“My heart goes out to the Governor and the people of Kwara State. I reassure you that you are not alone. And to the grieving families, please accept my deepest condolences. May you find strength and comfort in this difficult time, and may the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” he said