The Emir of Yashikira, Umoru Seriki, in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, has expressed deep concern over the growing presence of a terror group identified as ‘Mahmuda’ in parts of the Kwara North Senatorial District and neighboring Niger State.
In an interview, the traditional ruler decried what he described as government neglect, stating that affected communities feel abandoned in the face of escalating insecurity.
“We are totally demoralized. We are not happy with the authorities denying the presence of terrorists in our domains,” he said on Sunday, April 2o. “It is very unfortunate. We have complained about this situation for a long time, but no one seems to be listening.”
According to the Emir, the terror attacks have extended beyond Baruten and Kaiama local governments in Kwara State to the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State.
Recalling a recent attack, he revealed that a security vehicle procured by the community for use by vigilante groups was destroyed by the terrorists.
“We were lucky our vigilantes survived the attack, although some sustained injuries. Contrary to social media reports claiming 15 fatalities, the actual number of casualties was less, though both sides suffered losses,” he explained. “What is being reported online is largely true. We are just praying for divine protection.”
However, the Kwara State Police Command has strongly refuted the Emir’s claims. In a statement issued in Ilorin, the command denied the existence of any terror group named ‘Mahmuda’ within Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, ongoing intelligence surveillance and tactical operations have not uncovered any insurgent activity or terrorist formations in the region.
“The claim of 15 vigilantes being killed is entirely false and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement read.
The command assured the public of the effectiveness of security operations in the state, emphasising a multi-agency approach involving the Nigeria Police Force and sister agencies. It maintained that no breach of internal security has been observed in the affected communities.
“Our community engagement structures, including Vigilante Commanders and District Heads, have not relayed any such incidents. This confirms that some of the reports making the rounds are misleading and inciting,” the police added.
Acknowledging the security sensitivities around the Kainji Lake National Park and other border areas, the command urged media outlets and the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause public panic.
“The Kwara Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adekimi Ojo, remains committed to protecting lives and property. We encourage citizens to report suspicious activities through official channels for swift response,” the statement concluded.