A terrifying bandit attack on Sunday, September 28, has left the agrarian town of Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area reeling. At least 15 residents, including hunters, vigilantes, traders, and a traditional leader, were confirmed dead in what has been described as a massacre that shattered the community’s sense of safety.
Residents reported waking to the sound of gunfire as the attackers descended upon the town. The aftermath saw families torn apart, homes abandoned, and hundreds fleeing in panic, leaving their farmlands, shops, and schools behind. Oke-Ode, once considered the safest locality in the Igbomina axis, now lies deserted.
Among the victims were prominent community members, including the Baale of Ogba Ayo, Abdulwasiu Abdulkareem, and his brother, Fatai Abdulkareem. Other victims included local traders and young men who had been part of the community’s defense efforts.
Security Concerns Raised
Survivors have raised alarming concerns regarding security lapses. A grieving widow accused members of the Department of State Services of complicity in the attack, claiming they had disarmed local hunters shortly before the incident. However, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, denied these allegations, asserting that they were unfounded.
A local hunter, speaking on condition of anonymity, described how their firearms were taken for “servicing” just prior to the attack, leaving them defenseless against the heavily armed assailants. “We were overwhelmed. They came with sophisticated weapons,” he stated.
Eyewitness Accounts
In one of the bloodiest flashpoints, a relative of the Baale recounted the horror he experienced, hiding on the roof as gunfire erupted. “After about 30 minutes, I came down and saw my brother, his younger brother, and son lying dead in a pool of blood,” he said.
Another resident, Gbemisola Muhammed, shared her heart-wrenching story of loss, revealing that her husband, a protector of the community, was killed despite having a premonition to stay home.
Community Exodus
The attack has prompted a mass exodus from Oke-Ode, with over 200 vehicles evacuating residents between Sunday and Wednesday. The local School of Nursing, which housed approximately 700 students, has been relocated to Ilorin for safety concerns.
Government Response
In response to the tragedy, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq vowed to ensure justice for the victims and announced plans to establish a civilian task force aimed at bolstering local security. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing the rising tide of violence and kidnappings across the state.
As the community mourns, many residents are left questioning the effectiveness of current security measures and the future safety of their homes.
