A local vigilante was shot dead by suspected bandits wearing military uniforms in an ambush between Alabe and Idera communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, raising fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.

The victim, Habeeb Bello, popularly known as Adehi Olooka Ere, was reportedly attacked at about 6 p.m. on Friday while riding his motorcycle from Alabe to Ikosin.

Community sources said the assailants lay in wait before opening fire on Bello, who was described as one of the vigilantes actively involved in protecting Alabe community in Ile-Ire Ward.

Witnesses claimed the attackers were dressed in military camouflage, fuelling concerns about armed groups impersonating security personnel to evade suspicion and carry out attacks in rural communities.

A community group that reported the incident to the police said information available to residents indicated that the attackers were wearing military uniforms at the time of the attack.

The Kwara State Police Command has pledged to investigate the killing, although no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report. Bello’s body was later recovered by community members.

The latest incident is the second major security breach recorded in Alabe community this year. In January, bandits abducted Alhaja Munirat Olubakinde and her cousin, Muftau Owolabi. While Olubakinde was released after reportedly collapsing during captivity, Owolabi regained freedom after a ransom was paid.

Residents fear the recurring attacks may be aimed at weakening local security structures, particularly following the killing of a prominent vigilante member.

Community leaders have called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation, deploy additional personnel to the Alabe-Idera-Ikosin corridor, and determine how criminal groups continue to gain access to military-style uniforms.