Residents of Irele and Ijowa communities in Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State have raised concerns over renewed attacks by suspected bandits, following the killing of an elderly woman and the abduction of several residents.
Community leaders said the attacks have persisted for over 11 days, with at least five people reportedly kidnapped during the period. They also alleged that the attackers demanded ₦1.5 million from the family of the deceased before releasing her body for burial.
Speaking in an interview with THISDAY, the Akogun of Irele Kingdom, High Chief Kehinde Abejide, described the situation as alarming and called for urgent intervention by government and security agencies.
Abejide, who recounted his own experience after being kidnapped on his farmland, said his abductors later contacted his family and demanded ₦10 million ransom for his release.
He added that residents of Irele, Ijowa and Oke-Ako communities now live in fear, as farming and trading activities have been severely disrupted by the recurring attacks.
According to the community leader, the elderly victim, popularly known as Mummy Isaac, was attacked alongside her son while returning from the farm on a motorcycle. The gunmen reportedly opened fire, leaving the son injured. He is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Ikole-Ekiti.
The woman was reportedly taken into the forest by the attackers and later confirmed dead. Community sources alleged that the assailants demanded ₦1.5 million before releasing her remains to the family.
Chief Abejide also disclosed that four additional persons were abducted during the wave of attacks, warning that the security situation in the area is deteriorating.
He appealed to the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, to urgently deploy more security personnel to the affected communities to prevent further loss of lives.
Residents also expressed fears that the violence could escalate if immediate action is not taken, noting previous security concerns in neighbouring areas.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released an official statement. The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said he was not yet aware of the incidents but promised to make inquiries.
