Suspected bandits have reportedly killed the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdullahi Kpotun, along with his son in Lile village in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to sources from the village, the attackers stormed Alhaji Kpotun’s residence late Tuesday night while the family was likely asleep. The gunmen, believed to be on a mission to kidnap the politician, opened fire during the attempted abduction, leading to the deaths of the PDP leader and his 22-year-old son.
Residents say the violence did not stop at the home of the politician. The attackers reportedly moved to another nearby village where they killed another person, bringing the total number of victims to three. “It was not only his family the bandits attacked last night, they attacked another family and killed someone there too,” a source told reporters.
The police in Kwara State have confirmed the attack. In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police said, “At about 0130hrs, unknown armed men stormed and attacked Mari and Lile villages via Lade, killing three persons: one Timothy Paul (male, 35 years) in Mari village, and Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu (male, 51 years) alongside his son, Abdullahi Muhammad (male, 22 years) in Lile village.”
The police added that all three bodies were confirmed dead by doctors at a local hospital.
The statement further noted that investigations have begun to track down the criminals behind the attack and ensure they are brought to justice.
Former Senate President and top PDP figure in Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, expressed deep sadness and anger over the killings. In a statement shared by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki called the incident “barbaric, painful, and unacceptable.”
“This is a devastating loss. I am heartbroken by the news of the gruesome killing of Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu Kpotun and his son. My thoughts and prayers are with their immediate family and the Patigi community in this difficult time,” Saraki said.
He offered prayers for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant them Aljanah Firdaus and provide comfort to their families.
Saraki also noted the urgent need for the government and security forces to act fast. He said the growing insecurity in Kwara State must be brought under control before more lives are lost. “This rising tide of insecurity in our dear state must not be allowed to continue. Government and security agencies must act swiftly and decisively to prevent further tragedies,” he added.
