The Kwara State Police Command has said five people died including a police inspector, identified as Adejumo Wasiu, following an attack by suspected gunmen in Babanla, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Ilorin by the command spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

She said scores of armed criminals, riding motorcycles, invaded Babanla on August 8, attacking the Divisional Police Headquarters and raiding the market.

According to her, the assailants fired sporadically, killing five people, including Inspector Wasiu.

She said a swift joint response by the police, Nigerian Army personnel, vigilantes, and hunters repelled the attack, restored order, and began a full-scale manhunt.

On Sunday, Commissioner of Police,Adekimi Ojo, and the Kwara State Security Service director visited Babanla for an on-the-spot security assessment.

 They met traditional ruler, Oba Yusuf Aliyu Arojojoye II, and held high-level talks to consolidate peace and strengthen inter-agency and community-security collaboration.

 The joint delegation toured key locations, including the market, police headquarters, and surrounding areas to ensure restoration of peace.

The CP ordered sustained armed patrols, continuous intelligence gathering, and deployment of specialised tracking teams.

Ms Ejire-Adeyemi added that the SSS also pledged ongoing intelligence support to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

She reiterated the command’s commitment, in synergy with other security agencies, to protecting lives and property in Kwara.

 She urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies by providing credible information.

(NAN)