We Are Tired of Burying Our Sons, Kwara Communities wail
At least 24 young men have been confirmed dead after volunteering to defend several communities in Kwara North from heavily armed terrorists who invaded parts of the region in July 2025.
The victims, mostly local vigilante members, courageously confronted the attackers during coordinated assaults on Patigi, Chekpan, and Lade, leaving behind deserted villages, grieving families, and a region plunged into mourning.
According to community accounts, over 100 people have lost their lives in recent months, more than 70 have been kidnapped, and schools remain shut down across Kwara North as residents flee in fear.
“Our Heroes Died Protecting Us”
A community leader who spoke to Legit.ng on condition of anonymity described the July attack as one of the most devastating in recent years.
“In July, our youths — mostly vigilante members — summoned the courage to engage the terrorists at one of our community locations. That day, we lost more than 70 lives,” the leader said.
“We are still compiling reports of deaths, captives, deserted villages, and even schools that have been affected.”
Despite the scale of the tragedy, Legit.ng’s independent investigation over the past two weeks could identify the names of only 24 of the slain youths out of the more than 70 reportedly killed.
Many families are still searching for their missing loved ones, while several residents have fled their homes for safety.
List of Youths Killed in Patigi
Mohammed Ndacheko — Emi Dukumichi
Mohammed Bauchi — Emindalanla
Liyu Issa — Tonkuzhi
Danjuman Yafatiman — Patigi
Baba Yaman — Patigi
Ndache Matukun — Matokun
Ndachekun Sonsan — Sonsan
Ndagiman Mohammed — Edozhigi
Alu Mohammed — Emigi
List of Youths Killed in Chekpan
Ndacheko Rogun — Rogun
Yandagi Koro — Kowo
Mohammed Mayaki — Smargin
Dauda Sukun — Surun
Sekpa Katsan — Katsan
Maiin Zhurutan — Zhurutan
Majin Shurutan — Zhuruta A
A. Naibin Egwamama — Egwamaman
Baiwa Echin — Echiwada
Sachin Bgutun — Sa Achi
Ndacheko Doro — Doro
Alikali Suku — Suku
List of Youths Killed in Lade
Mohammed Gana — Lade
Mohammed Ndagi — Gberin
Nda Magin — Magin
“They Said They Wouldn’t Keep Running”
Residents told Legit.ng that the attackers, arriving on motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons, targeted local vigilantes who had been resisting frequent incursions and kidnappings.
“Our boys were defending us,” a grieving relative said.
“They said they wouldn’t keep running away from their land. But the attackers came in large numbers — with guns our vigilantes had never seen before.”
Reports from residents and security sources reveal that in just three months, over 100 people have been killed and at least 70 others kidnapped across the six local government areas that make up Kwara North — especially in Patigi, Edu, and Kaiama.
Entire villages have been abandoned as families seek refuge in neighboring towns such as Lafiagi and Tsaragi, while schools remain closed due to widespread displacement and fear of renewed attacks.
Communities Under Siege
The following communities have reportedly been attacked or occupied by bandits and terrorists in recent months:
Lafiagi, Patigi, Tsaragi, Motokun, Lata, Ndanaku, Mari, Lile, Dina, Kpanparagi, Gada, Bokungi, Manganiko Ndanagi, Gbogi, Kusoniguba, Gbugbu, Lada, Ndeji, Kakafu, Gbangede, Ekati, Bologi, Sakpefu, Bokugi Tsaragi, Gada NYC Camp, Gida Sani, Yelwa, Lema, Matokun, Chekugi, Gboagi, Gbale, Kokodo, Essanti, Lata Woro, Kossomunu, Batakpa, Ndafa, Esun Tauhid, Edogi Cikin, Ekko, Lalagi, Esun Tauheed, Edogi Dukun, Gamalegi, Guye, Dzara, Wariku, Dugbagi, Bishewa, Gbale, and Kusoziko.
Life in Fear and Mourning
Traditional institutions across these areas have suspended public gatherings, and farming activities — the main source of livelihood — have been almost completely halted.
According to local sources, funerals are now held quietly, with some victims buried without proper identification due to the severity of the attacks.
In Patigi town, a mass burial was conducted for several victims whose bodies could be recovered after the July onslaught, while dozens of others remain missing and are feared dead.
“We are tired,” a community elder in Lade lamented.
“Our youths who volunteered to protect our land are now in graves. The government must come to our rescue before more people die.”
Fresh Attack: Pastor Killed, Village Head Abducted
Meanwhile, armed bandits recently attacked Rani community in Patigi Local Government Area, killing two people and abducting two others — including the village head — during an evening assault on Sunday, October 5.
Residents said the attack happened as villagers were preparing for the Maghrib prayer, further deepening fear and uncertainty in the already devastated region.
