Tragedy struck in the early hours of Wednesday in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State as unidentified gunmen carried out two separate attacks, killing three individuals—including the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lade Ward—and abducting a young girl from a Fulani camp.
The assailants, who struck in the Mari and Lile villages, left behind a trail of sorrow with the deaths of Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, the PDP ward chairman, his son Abdullahi Mohammad, and a local resident Timothy Paul.
The incident was confirmed by the Kwara State Police Command, which stated that the killings occurred during an armed attack on the two communities. Meanwhile, in a separate incident around 3 a.m., a 12-year-old girl, Hassana Abdullahi, was abducted by four armed men at Aiyetoro Fulani Camp in Lile village, also located in Lade Ward.
According to a statement released by the state police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adekimi Ojo,
“The state police command confirms two incidents of violent crime that occurred in the early hours of June 25, 2025, in Patigi LGA of the state.
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.”
She continued,
“The bodies were certified dead by a medical doctor at a hospital.
In a separate incident at about 0300hrs, four armed men invaded Aiyetoro Fulani Camp and abducted 12-year-old Hassana Abdullahi; daughter to Mr Abdullahi Jowuro.
The scene of the crime was secured and documented.”
To ensure swift action, the police added that joint tactical teams involving security operatives, vigilantes, and local hunters had been dispatched to begin a search-and-rescue operation, while investigations were ongoing.
“Investigations have begun to apprehend the actors behind this dastardly act; prosecution follows afterwards.
The command remains committed to public safety and urges residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity promptly,” the police statement added.
Reacting to the heartbreaking event, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, condemned the killings and described the violence as shocking and intolerable. In a statement issued by Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, his Press Officer on Local Matters, Saraki said,
“This is a devastating loss. I am heartbroken by the news of the gruesome killing of Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu Kpotun and his son. My thoughts and prayers are with their immediate family and the Patigi community in this difficult time.”
He added,
“The tragic incident occurred when gunmen attacked their residence late at night, leading to the loss of both father and son in what has been described as a senseless and deeply saddening act of violence.”
Saraki offered prayers:
“Saraki prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls, and Almighty Allah grant them Aljanah Firdaus, and for strength and comfort for the grieving family and community.”
He also urged the state government and security agencies to step up efforts in addressing insecurity:
“This rising tide of insecurity in our dear state must not be allowed to continue. Government and security agencies must act swiftly and decisively to prevent further tragedies,” he added.
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