Bandits Storm Ekiti Community, Engage Security In Gunfight; All Kidnapped Victims Rescued

Armed bandits on Wednesday evening launched a brazen attack on the Gaa Fulani community in Iye-Mero, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, abducting several residents and carting away valuables before they were confronted by local security operatives.

Meanwhile, the attack, which occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on December 3, 2025, threw the quiet border community into panic as gunmen stormed homes, looting items including phones, ATM cards, cash, clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery, and wristwatches.

It was gathered that the assailants were intercepted moments later by the Iye-Mero community security network, who were swiftly reinforced by soldiers stationed in the axis.

Subsequently, a tense and protracted gunfight reportedly erupted, with heavy gunfire reverberating through the forests along the borders of Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states.

It was also learnt that the resistance put up by the Iye-Mero security team overwhelmed the attackers, forcing them to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee deeper into the bush.

“All the abducted persons were rescued alive. The bandits realised they had been overpowered and took to their heels,” a source said.

Iye-Mero’s location, sharing close boundaries with Eruku in Kwara State and Egbe in Yagba West, Kogi State, has long raised concerns among residents who say the porous forest routes are increasingly exploited by armed groups moving across the states.

It was previously reported that some security operatives reportedly opened fire on protesters during a demonstration over insecurity on Wednesday in the Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Multiple community sources confirmed that two youths had been pronounced dead, while two others were battling for their lives on life support following the confrontation.

The unrest erupted after an early-morning attack in Irunda Ile, where bandits reportedly killed two residents.

Outraged by the recurring insecurity, youths mobilised for what witnesses described as a peaceful march demanding urgent government action.

However, the situation quickly spiralled out of control.

Eyewitnesses told media reporters that security personnel deployed to the area attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to a heated clash.

Shots were reportedly fired amid the chaos, resulting in the tragic casualties.

“The youths were only protesting against the killings in the community. We never expected things to turn out this way,” a resident said, calling the incident “a heartbreaking escalation of an already traumatic day.”