Only under-equipped vigilantes are left to resist the militants, residents lamented, accusing federal and state authorities of ignoring the threat.
Residents in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State are fleeing en masse as a terror group, Mahmuda, tightens control following the Nigerian Army’s withdrawal from active operations in the region.
SaharaReporters learnt that the military exit has left only local vigilantes to face the group, prompting fears and a growing exodus from villages like Kemanji.
“Our community, Kemanji, is under the control of these people,” one resident said. “Both the rich and poor are abandoning their homes.”
The terrorists, who had long occupied forests in the region, reportedly began attacking during Ramadan after a military raid killed some of their members.
“There are army formations in Kaiama and Baruten, but they haven’t returned to the forest,” another source said.
Only under-equipped vigilantes are left to resist the militants, residents lamented, accusing federal and state authorities of ignoring the threat.
Many now fear Kwara could suffer the fate of other northern states plagued by terror groups.