VIGILANTE LEADER KILLED DURING RESCUE OPERARTION IN KWARA STATE, SPARKS PROTESTS

 

Lukman Balogun.

Lukman Balogun, the Commander of a vigilante group and the Jagun of Igbajaland in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, was killed during a rescue operation on Monday evening. His death has sparked protests by aggrieved youths in the Igbaja community, who took to the streets on Tuesday, describing him as a staunch defender against bandits terrorizing the area.

Sources revealed that Balogun was killed by kidnappers who attacked the community on Sunday, abducting three women. Another two people were reportedly kidnapped from Kajola village early Tuesday morning. The youth allege that the kidnappers are suspected itinerant cattle herders.

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Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Elders Security Forum, confirmed the abductions, stating that Balogun died during a gunfight between vigilante forces and the kidnappers. "Right now, a combined team of police, military, and vigilantes is combing the forests around Igbaja and Oke-Ode in search of the abducted victims," he said.

A source mentioned that Balogun was part of a team tracking kidnappers who had abducted a prominent local resident. "He was killed along the Ogele-Yaaru road," the source added.

In response, the Elese of Igbajaland, Oba Ahmed Babalola Arepo III, called for calm, describing Balogun’s death as a significant loss. He assured the community that the culprits would be apprehended and brought to justice.

Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, led a delegation to the area to express condolences and pledged that authorities would work tirelessly to capture the kidnappers and those responsible for Balogun's death.

State Police Command spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyem, confirmed the incident, describing it as “unfortunate.” She assured the public that the police are actively pursuing the kidnappers.