Armed bandits have reportedly killed a businessman and politician, Alhaji Abdullahi Kpotun, at Lile village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

It was learnt that the gunmen killed Kpotun and his son during an attempt to abduct the duo.

Similarly, unknown gunmen who invaded Mari village, in the same Patigi area, also killed one Timothy Paul.

The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Mr. Shola Adewara, confirmed the killing of Kpotun, describing him as the party’s leader in Patigi.

“Yes, Alhaji Kpotun was killed by suspected gunmen. We are in a mourning mood,” Adewara said.

Meanwhile, the bandits have issued a threat to the villagers, demanding a N200 million levy or risk further ceaseless attacks.

Following the deadly Lile village attack, the bandits issued the ultimatum, which they communicated via Kpotun’s phone directly to one of his sons.

According to them, failure to pay the ransom would result in another wave of violence.

“They contacted us this morning and said if the money isn’t paid today (Thursday), they will return with another attack,” a terrified resident told our reporter.

Since the Tuesday attack, panic has engulfed Lile and surrounding areas, with residents urging the state government and security agencies to step in.

They fear their town is becoming a battleground for unchecked banditry and say lives and livelihoods are now in constant jeopardy.

This latest development underscores a disturbing pattern of insecurity spreading through Kwara North.

It would be recalled that a similar tragic event occurred recently in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, where a failed kidnapping attempt led to the deaths of three people, including a kidnap victim, a local vigilante, and one of the suspected kidnappers.

These incidents are part of an alarming surge in kidnappings across Kwara North, with residents reporting attacks every three to four weeks. From Shiya to Okuta and now Patigi, communities are living under a shadow of fear.

Meanwhile, a political group, Kwara Central Strategy Team (KCST), has announced the killing of Kpotun in a viral social media post.

“With heavy hearts, the Kwara Central Strategy Team (KCST) mourns the tragic killing of Kwara North PDP Ward Chairman in Patigi and his son by ruthless bandits. As a team built on service, sacrifice, and strategy, we stand in full solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Moro, and Patigi.

“We pray for the souls of our fallen comrades. May their sacrifices not be in vain. We declare safety, divine guidance, and victory over fear. Kwara North shall rise again!” the group said in a statement signed by its President, Olayinka Oladimeji.

The Kwara State Police Command also confirmed two incidents of violent crime in Patigi in the early hours of June 25, 2025.

A statement signed by its spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said: “At about 0130hrs, unknown armed men stormed and attacked Mari and Lile villages via Lade, killing three persons: one Timothy Paul (male, 35 years) in Mari village, and Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu (male, 51 years) alongside his son, Abdullahi Muhammad (male, 22 years) in Lile village. The bodies were certified dead by a medical doctor at a hospital.

“Investigations have begun to apprehend the actors behind this dastardly act; prosecution follows afterwards,” she said.