95% of Residents Flee Kwara Community as Bandit Attacks Escalate, Lata Nna Sends Desperate SOS to President Tinubu

95% of Residents Flee Kwara Community as Bandit Attacks Escalate, Lata Nna Sends Desperate SOS to President Tinubu

Description: Nearly 95% of residents have fled Lata Nna community in Kwara State following relentless bandit attacks. Community leaders are pleading with President Bola Tinubu for urgent intervention as killings, kidnappings and mass displacement worsen.

95% of Residents Flee Kwara Community as Bandit Attacks Escalate, Lata Nna Sends Desperate SOS to President Tinubu

Residents of Lata Nna Community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised an urgent alarm after a wave of deadly bandit attacks reportedly forced about 95 percent of the community's population to flee their homes.

The once-peaceful farming community is now battling widespread fear, displacement and economic hardship, with residents warning that continued attacks could wipe the settlement off the map if immediate action is not taken.

In a passionate open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, community leaders appealed for swift federal intervention, saying years of insecurity have left families homeless, farms abandoned and businesses destroyed.

Community Says Two Years of Terror Have Left Residents Helpless

The letter, signed by Tauheed Desco, Secretary of the Lata Nna Youth Association, described the community as being under constant siege from heavily armed bandits.

According to residents, they have endured more than two years of repeated attacks, including:

Kidnappings

Armed robberies

Farm invasions

Extortion

Road ambushes

Looting of homes and businesses

The community also described its only access road as a "death trap," saying criminals now operate freely due to the absence of adequate security personnel.

> "We are under siege. Our lives, our livelihoods and our very existence are being threatened daily. Only your intervention can save us," the letter stated.

Deadly Attacks Leave Families in Mourning

Residents recalled several tragic incidents that have devastated the community.

In August 2025, an armed confrontation between local hunters and suspected bandits reportedly claimed the lives of 65 hunters, although only 40 bodies were recovered for burial.

The community also highlighted recent attacks:

April 15: Farmer Allassan Ndaba was allegedly shot dead while travelling to his farm.

June 13: Armed bandits reportedly invaded the community in broad daylight, demanding petrol, recharge cards and other supplies.

June 26: Gunmen blocked the only road into the community, killing two residents returning home.

June 27: Villagers gathering leaves behind the settlement were reportedly robbed at gunpoint.

July 10: Bandits allegedly looted homes and shops, stealing cash, food items, mobile phones and four motorcycles valued at about ₦1.6 million each.

July 15: A Point-of-Sale operator was reportedly robbed shortly after withdrawing cash from a bank.

95% of Residents Have Fled Their Homes

The Village Head of Lata Nna, Alhaji Mohammed Lata, revealed that nearly the entire population has abandoned the community due to fear of fresh attacks.

According to him, many displaced residents now sleep in neighbouring communities or temporary shelters, while those who remain avoid spending nights in their own homes.

Women in the community broke down in tears while recounting how insecurity has destroyed family life, farming and local businesses.

One resident said she had become the only person left in her compound after virtually every neighbour fled for safety.

Poor Infrastructure Has Worsened the Crisis

Community leaders said the security crisis has been aggravated by several longstanding challenges, including:

Poor mobile network coverage

Lack of a permanent security base

Inadequate healthcare facilities

Unsafe access roads

Slow emergency response

They argued that these shortcomings have allowed criminals to operate with little resistance.

Residents Appeal to President Tinubu

The community is urging the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and Patigi Local Government Council to urgently:

Deploy more security personnel.

Establish a permanent security post.

Secure the only access road into the community.

Launch sustained operations against armed bandits.

Improve telecommunications services.

Build a functional healthcare facility.

Provide relief materials and support for displaced families.

Residents also called for justice for those who have lost loved ones and support for affected families.

> "We voted for hope and security. Please do not allow Lata Nna to be wiped off the map. Hear our cry and come to our rescue."

Government Yet to React

As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government had not issued an official response. Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Communications were unsuccessful.

The latest appeal comes amid growing concerns over rising insecurity across Kwara North, where several communities continue to face repeated cases of bandit attacks, kidnappings and killings.

Why This Matters

The crisis in Lata Nna reflects the growing security challenges facing many rural communities across Nigeria. Beyond the tragic loss of lives, the violence has disrupted farming, displaced families and threatens food production and economic stability in the region.

Residents hope urgent government intervention will restore peace and allow displaced families to return home safely.

>>>> What steps do you think the government should take to end bandit attacks in rural communities across Nigeria?

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