Residents of several communities in Kwara South have been placed on alert following intelligence reports that armed terrorists fleeing from neighbouring Kogi State are moving into parts of Kwara State after the killing of their notorious commander, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo.
Security sources told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that members of Battijo’s gang have begun retreating into communities across Kwara South following the neutralisation of their leader during security operations in Kogi State.
According to the sources, the terrorists are relocating to strategic locations within Kwara State with the intention of regrouping and launching fresh attacks, including kidnappings and possible retaliatory assaults against local communities.
“The terrorists are fleeing from Kogi State back into Kwara South following the neutralisation of their commander, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo,” one of the security sources said.
“They are moving back particularly to Ifelodun, Isin and Ekiti Local Government Areas. Security agencies and local vigilante groups must not relax at this critical time because the threat remains very serious.”
The source warned that intelligence reports indicate that the terrorists may be planning revenge attacks in response to the death of their commander.
“I can tell you that the bandits want to carry out retaliatory attacks because of their leader who was neutralised. Security agencies must remain alert and ensure they act swiftly to prevent any attack,” the source added.
According to the security source, Battijo had been one of the most feared terrorist leaders operating across parts of Kwara and Kogi states and was responsible for coordinating numerous attacks, kidnappings and violent operations across several communities in Kwara South.
The source explained that Battijo was neutralised in Kogi State but had maintained strong operational networks across communities in Kwara State where his gang frequently carried out attacks.
“Battijo was neutralised in Kogi, but he was one of the key figures behind several attacks in Kwara South. His network was active across communities including Babanla, Oke-Ode, Oreke, Sebe, Omugo and other parts of the local government areas in Kwara South,” the source said.
The development has created fears among residents of the affected communities, many of whom have faced repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years.
Security sources urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance operations, intensify intelligence gathering and work closely with local vigilante groups to prevent the fleeing terrorists from establishing new bases within Kwara State.
The sources further warned that any delay in responding to the emerging threat could expose vulnerable communities to fresh waves of kidnappings, killings and other violent attacks.
SaharaReporters previously reported that the traditional ruler of the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, was confirmed dead after his abductors reportedly demanded ₦21million in cash, two new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for his release.
The monarch’s death was confirmed in an emotional voice message obtained by SaharaReporters from a member of a committee involved in efforts to secure his freedom.
In the message, the committee member announced the tragic development to members of the Olayinka community, describing the monarch’s death as an act of God’s will despite extensive efforts by residents, family members, community leaders, and religious figures to secure his safe return.
Quoting from the message, the committee member had said: “Allah in His mercy said in the Holy Qur’an that we all human beings on earth belong to Him, and to Him we shall return, whether when we expect it or when we do not expect it.
“This is to inform the Olayinka community, both male and female, young and old, that our beloved father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Salman Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.”
The speaker said all the reports and rumours circulating about the monarch’s fate has now been confirmed, noting that every effort made to rescue him ultimately failed.
“All the rumours everyone has been hearing from different angles, and all the efforts that have been made by family members, residents, committees and Islamic clerics, have now led to this moment. The will of God has happened. Whether one likes it or not, every soul will return to its Creator, and nobody knows the means through which that return will come,” he said.
The committee member urged residents of the community to accept the development as God’s decree.
“Oh Allah, we accept our fate. All the indigenes of Olayinka, both Muslims and Christians, should please accept the will of God. Since last week, committees have carried out investigations and made efforts while praying that God would return him home safely. But man proposes and God disposes,” he said.
“God has taken the monarch from the people of Olayinka. Please let us accept our fate. On behalf of all Muslims and Christians in the Olayinka community, this is to announce to you that Oba Salman of Olayinka has died and returned to his Creator. May God forgive his shortcomings.”
(SaharaReporters)
