Residents of several communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State are fleeing their homes in droves as a new terrorist group tightens its grip on the region.
The latest wave of panic follows the Nigerian Army’s sudden withdrawal from active operations in the area, leaving local vigilantes alone to confront the deadly group known as Mahmuda.
Community sources who spoke to SaharaReporters on Monday lamented the deteriorating security situation and accused the Nigerian and Kwara State governments of ignoring the growing insecurity in the area.
“As I am talking to you, our community, Kemanji, is under the control of these people. They have not entered the main Kaiama town, and that was how it started in Sokoto, Kebbi and other states. Our community is about 10 kilometres from Kaiama,” one source said.
He explained that the current state of fear gripping the area has triggered a mass exodus, with both wealthy and underprivileged residents abandoning their homes.
“The problem now is that everyone is afraid. Both the rich and the poor have started abandoning their houses. They are moving to the main town of Kaiama and some who have relatives in Ilorin are moving there, and other neighbouring towns,” he added.
According to residents, the terrorists had long occupied the dense forests around the area without incident. However, a military raid during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan reportedly provoked the group, leading to the current spate of attacks on surrounding communities.
