Suspected bandits have abducted four members of the same family in Babanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The victims were reportedly working on their farmland on the outskirts of the community in the early hours of Wednesday when the armed men struck. Sources said the assailants arrived unannounced, fired shots into the air and rounded up the family members.

According to a community source, five persons were initially seized, but an elderly man was later released, while four others were taken to an unknown destination.

A female resident, who asked not to be named, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers surrounded the victims on their farm before whisking them away.

Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Femi Yusuf, confirmed the abduction in a telephone interview. He questioned why residents would head to their farms as early as 5 a.m. given the prevailing security concerns in the area.

“Yes, I am aware,” Yusuf said, adding that security agencies, including soldiers, police officers, vigilantes and forest guards, were present in the area. He noted, however, that persistent attacks raise concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures.

The identities of the abducted persons had not been officially confirmed as of press time, and the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue a statement on the incident.

Babanla and surrounding communities in Ifelodun have faced recurring security challenges in recent months, with residents calling for increased patrols and stronger security presence in rural settlements to curb further attacks and secure the victims’ release.