Armed bandits have attacked Bokungi, a settlement in Tsaragi community, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing one person and rustling hundreds of cattle.
The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday and lasted into Wednesday morning. Residents said the attackers stormed the area, shooting sporadically before carting away livestock.
The victim, identified as Muhammadu, the first son of local herder Alhaji Mumini, was reportedly shot dead during the raid. Sources said Muhammadu had married only a month earlier.
It was gathered that the assailants also targeted the home of Alhaji Garuba, rustling all his cows after failing to break into his house.
Estimates from locals suggest that between 700 and 1,000 cattle were taken.
The gunmen were said to have moved through Bokungi into Fengewa, where their gunfire alerted local vigilantes and Nigerian Army troops.
Security operatives engaged them briefly, but it was unclear by Wednesday morning whether any arrests were made or if the stolen animals were recovered.
The attack has heightened fear in Edu LGA and surrounding communities.
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Residents expressed frustration over what they described as insufficient military response, with some questioning why the Nigerian Army had not acted more decisively.
The insecurity has also disrupted government operations in the area. Staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edu and Patigi LGAs have abandoned their offices, citing the risk of abduction.
The closure has stalled the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began in August.
Security officials had earlier warned INEC workers that they could be targeted as “soft victims” by bandits.
Some staff told reporters they were instructed to seek clearance before returning to duty posts, while others said they were assured that no ransom would be paid in the event of abduction.
Kwara State authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack.