Emir of Yashikira, Umoru Seriki, from Baruten Local Government Area in Kwara State, has voiced serious concern over growing insecurity in parts of Kwara North and Niger State, claiming a terrorist group known as ‘Mahmuda’ is currently active in the region.
In an interview granted on Sunday, the Emir expressed disappointment over what he called neglect by the authorities, saying communities under threat have been left to fend for themselves without government support.
“The situation is that we are totally demoralized, we are not happy with what the authorities are saying that there is no presence of terrorists in our domains,” he said.
The traditional ruler further noted that the issue had been reported to security agencies in the past, but no meaningful action was taken. He added that the group’s activities extend beyond Baruten and Kaiama in Kwara to Borgu Kingdom in Niger State.
“We are not happy and we feel abandoned by the government and left on our own, but as the situation is, we have no choice than to continue to defend ourselves,” he said.
During the conversation, he revealed that vigilantes in the area had come under direct attack. A security vehicle provided by the community was reportedly bombed by the suspected terrorists. Fortunately, he said, no lives were lost in that particular incident, though some vigilantes were injured.
“The casualties we suffered were not actually 15, but we suffered some casualties and the terrorists also suffered some casualties,” he noted. “What the social media is actually reporting is the truth, we are just praying to God to help and protect us in the current situation we are facing.”
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command denied the existence of any terrorist group named ‘Mahmuda’ operating in the state. In a statement from its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said investigations and surveillance have shown no sign of organized terrorist activity in Baruten or Kaiama.
“The claim of 15 vigilantes being killed is entirely false and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement said.
The police further noted that their operations, in partnership with other security agencies, have not found any evidence of mass killings or terrorist bases in the region. It stated that local leaders, including vigilante heads and community chiefs, have not reported any such attacks.
“While we recognize the volatile nature of cross-border movements around the Kainji Lake National Park, the Kwara state police command has maintained effective situational control across all border communities,” the statement said.
