Gunmen have killed three people in Mari village and abducted a 12-year-old girl in a Fulani camp in Lile village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The two incidents that the Kwara State Police Command confirmed occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

Those killed the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lade Ward in Patigi Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, and his son, Abdullahi Mohammad, as well as one Timothy Paul, a resident of the village.

Similarly, a 12-year-old girl identified as Hassana Abdullahi was kidnapped at Aiyetoro Fulani Camp in Lile village in the same Lade Ward of the local government.

A statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Adekimi Ojo, read, “The State Police Command confirms two incidents of violent crime that occurred in the early hours of 25th June 2025 in Patigi LGA of the state.

“At about 01.30hrs, 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.

“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 of Mr Abdullahi Jowuro.

“The scene of the crime was secured and documented.”

The police further said, “In response, joint tactical teams comprising police operatives, vigilantes, and local hunters have been deployed to conduct bush combing and rescue operations.

“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.”

Meanwhile, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has condemned the killing of the PDP ward chairman and his son.

In a statement by Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, the Press Officer on Local Matters, Saraki described the attack as barbaric, painful and unacceptable.

“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,” Saraki said.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and called on relevant security agencies and the Kwara State Government to take urgent and proactive measures to address the growing insecurity across the state.

He emphasised that the protection of lives and property must be treated as a top priority.

“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. (The PUNCH)