‘We Can No Longer Sleep With Our Eyes Closed’: Kwara Community Sends SOS To Tinubu Over Rising Bandit Attacks

Residents of Lata Nna Community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu for urgent intervention over what they described as relentless bandit attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes that have left the community living in fear for the past two years.

In a Save Our Soul (SOS) letter addressed to the President, the community said worsening insecurity had made it almost impossible for residents to carry out their daily activities, including farming, trading and travelling.

The letter, signed by the Secretary of the Lata-Nna Youth Association, Tauheed Ahmed Desco, on behalf of the community, painted a grim picture of life in the area, saying residents now live under constant threat from heavily armed bandits.

"Your Excellency, we can no longer go to our farms, we can no longer go to the market, and we can no longer sleep with our eyes closed. Our only road is a death trap. Our community is bleeding," the letter read.

The community urged President Tinubu to immediately deploy additional security personnel to Lata Nna to restore peace, secure the area and reopen the only access road linking the community to neighbouring towns.

The residents also called for sustained military and security operations to flush out bandits operating in forests surrounding the community.

In addition, they appealed for government support for families affected by the attacks, particularly the relatives of Alhassan Ndaba and two other residents reportedly killed by bandits on June 26, 2026.

"Mr. President, we voted for hope and security. Please do not let Lata Nna be wiped off the map. Please hear our cry and come to our rescue," the community pleaded.

The residents said the latest appeal followed nearly two years of repeated attacks that had left many families traumatised and economically devastated.

According to the letter, one of the deadliest incidents occurred in August 2025, when about 65 local hunters reportedly lost their lives during a confrontation with bandits in the community's forest.

The community said only 40 bodies were recovered and buried after the clash, blaming the heavy casualties on the superior firepower of the attackers.

"Last year, August 2025, 65 hunters were killed in the community bush during the clash between the hunters and the bandits due to the inferior weapons used by our hunters while the bandits were using highly sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles and above. Only 40 dead bodies were recovered and buried," the letter stated.

The community also recalled that on April 15, 2026 Alhassan Ndaba was allegedly attacked and killed while travelling to his farm.

They described him as a hardworking farmer whose death underscored the growing dangers faced by residents trying to earn a living.

Residents further alleged that on June 13, 2026, four armed bandits riding two motorcycles entered the community in broad daylight, moving around freely in search of petrol, recharge cards and other supplies, creating panic among villagers.

According to the letter, another major attack occurred on June 26, 2026, when armed men reportedly blocked the community's only access road, trapping residents and cutting them off from hospitals, markets and neighbouring communities.

The attackers allegedly shot and killed two residents who were returning home during the incident.

The following day, June 27, villagers who had gone into nearby bushes to gather leaves were reportedly robbed at gunpoint, with their money and mobile phones taken.

The community also alleged that on July 10, 2026, bandits invaded Lata Nna in broad daylight, moving from house to house to loot food items, cash, mobile phones and other valuables.

The attackers were also said to have broken into shops and stolen four motorcycles valued at about ₦1.6 million, dealing another blow to the livelihoods of young residents.

In another incident on July 15, 2026, a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator was reportedly robbed shortly after withdrawing cash from a bank for business transactions.

The community said the recurring attacks have crippled economic activities, prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands and left residents living in constant fear.

They appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene before the security situation deteriorates further, insisting that immediate action is needed to protect lives, restore confidence and prevent the community from being overrun by armed criminals.