By Correspondent
Chief Lukman Balogun, a respected vigilante commander in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, has been killed by suspected gunmen.
Sources in Kwara State told our correspondent that Balogun attempted to rescue three Fulani women who had been abducted from the Igbaja community in Ifelodun Local Government Area by the gunmen on Sunday.
They added that Balogun was pursuing the kidnappers, who had previously abducted another prominent resident of Igbaja, when he was eventually killed on the Ogele-Yaaru road on Monday evening.
In response to Balogun’s death, local youths reportedly took to the streets in protest over his killing and abduction of two other individuals from Kajola village.
Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Elders Security Forum, confirmed the abduction of five victims and expressed regret that Balogun died in his attempt to rescue the kidnapped women.
He added that a joint team of police, military, and vigilante members has embarked on a search in the forests around Igbaja and Oke-Ode for the victims and to apprehend the gunmen.
The paramount ruler of Igbaja, Oba Ahmed Babalola Arepo III, described Balogun’s death as a significant loss for the community and urged the protesters to remain calm, assuring them that authorities would apprehend the criminals.
The Reporters gathered that the Ifelodun Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Femi Yusuf, has visited the area and expressed condolences, pledging to intensify efforts to track the kidnappers and ensure justice.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Police Command in the state, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured that the police are actively working to locate the abductors.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
