The assault took place around 7 a.m. when armed men invaded the Ogbayo area, opening fire indiscriminately on members of the local vigilante group. According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, police forces and the National Forest Security Service responded swiftly to distress calls; however, they discovered 12 deceased vigilante members at the scene. Four additional victims sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital for urgent care, while the bodies of those killed were evacuated.

Ejire-Adeyemi highlighted the coordinated response from police and military personnel, stating that a manhunt operation had been initiated to apprehend the attackers, assuring the community that justice would prevail. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, labeling the killings as “heinous” and reaffirming the police command’s dedication to protecting lives and property within Kwara State.

This recent attack underscores a disturbing trend of escalating violence in the region, particularly in northern and southern areas of Kwara, where armed bandits have increasingly targeted local vigilantes, community members, and business owners. Notably, earlier reports indicated that at least 15 additional vigilantes and hunters were killed during separate attacks on the same day. Furthermore, several residents were reportedly abducted amid the chaos, plunging the community into mourning. A video shared on social media depicted the grim aftermath of the attack, showcasing the bodies of the fallen vigilantes.

A local vigilante member, who chose to remain anonymous and went by the name Ajetunmobi, expressed skepticism regarding the government’s claims of repelling the attackers, suggesting that the truth was being obscured.