Kwara Vigilante commander killed during rescue operation of kidnapped victims

Lukman Balogun, Commander of a vigilante group in Kwara State, was killed during a rescue mission in the Igbaja community, located in the Ifelodun Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Monday evening as he and his team attempted to rescue kidnapped victims.

The community erupted in protests on Tuesday, with angry youths mourning the loss of Balogun, who was regarded as a key figure in the fight against banditry in the area. Until his death, Balogun held the traditional title of Jagun of Igbajaland.

Local sources reported that Balogun was killed by kidnappers who had invaded the community on Sunday, abducting three women. In a related incident, two more individuals were kidnapped from Kajola village early Tuesday morning. The protesting youths accused suspected itinerant cattle herders of committing the crimes.

Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Elders Security Forum, confirmed that five people had been abducted. He also revealed that Balogun died in a gunfight between vigilante members and the kidnappers. “A combined team of police, military, and vigilante forces is currently searching the forests around Igbaja and Oke-Ode for the kidnapped victims,” he said.

Another source noted that Balogun was part of a team tracking the kidnappers after a prominent resident of the town was abducted. He was reportedly killed on the Ogele-Yaaru road.

Oba Ahmed Babalola Arepo III, the paramount ruler of Igbajaland, urged the protesting youths to remain calm, describing Balogun’s death as a significant loss. He assured them that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Femi Yusuf, Chairman of the Ifelodun Local Government Area, visited the community to offfer his condolences and pledged that authorities would intensify efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and those responsible for the vigilante leader’s death.

State Police Command spokeswoman, Toun Ejire-Adeyem, confirmed the incident, calling it “unfortunate” and adding that the police are actively pursuing the kidnappers.