Tears Flow as List of 24 Kwara Youths Killed While Defending Communities from Terrorists Is Released

Tragedy has struck communities in Kwara North as the names of 24 young men who lost their lives while defending their villages from terrorist attacks have been released.

The victims, mostly local vigilante members, were among more than 70 volunteers who took up arms to confront heavily armed terrorists that invaded Patigi, Chekpan, and Lade districts on July 3, 2025.

The coordinated assaults left several villages deserted and plunged the region into mourning.

“In July, our youths, mostly vigilante members, bravely engaged the terrorists at one of our community locations. That day, we lost more than 70 lives,” a community leader said.
“Comprehensive reports are being compiled to document the death toll, the missing persons, deserted villages, affected schools, and other details.”

Many families are still searching for missing loved ones, while others have fled their homes in fear.

List of Victims Released:

1. Mohammed Ndacheko — Emi Dukumichi

2. Mohammed Bauchi — Emindalanla

3. Liyu Issa — Tonkuzhi

4. Danjuman Yafatiman — Patigi

5. Baba Yaman — Patigi

6. Ndache Matukun — Matokun

7. Ndachekun Sonsan — Sonsan

8. Ndagiman Mohammed — Edozhigi

9. Alu Mohammed — Emigi

10. Ndacheko Rogun — Rogun

11. Yandagi Koro — Kowo

12. Mohammed Mayaki — Smargin

13. Dauda Sukun — Surun

14. Sekpa Katsan — Katsan

15. Maiin Zhurutan — Zhurutan

16. Majin Shurutan — Zhuruta A

17. A. Naibin Egwamama — Egwamaman

18. Baiwa Echin — Echiwada

19. Sachin Bgutun — Sa Achi

20. Ndacheko Doro — Doro

21. Alikali Suku — Suku

22. Mohammed Gana — Lade

23. Mohammed Ndagi — Gberin

24. Nda Magin — Magin

The July 3 attacks, which mainly affected Patigi Local Government Area bordering Niger State, have left a trail of devastation.

“Our boys died defending us,” a grieving relative told Legit.ng. “They refused to abandon their land, but the attackers came in large numbers with sophisticated weapons our vigilantes had never seen before.”

Over the past three months, more than 100 people have reportedly been killed and about 70 others kidnapped across the six local government areas that make up Kwara North, particularly in Patigi, Edu, and Kaiama.

Dozens of villages have been deserted as residents flee to neighboring towns such as Lafiagi and Tsaragi for safety. Schools in the affected areas have also been shut down following widespread displacement and abductions of teachers and pupils.

Communities Affected by Recent Attacks Include:
Lafiagi, Patigi, Tsaragi, Motokun, Lata, Ndanaku, Mari, Lile, Dina, Kpanparagi, Gada, Bokungi, Manganiko Ndanagi, Gbogi, Kusoniguba, Gbugbu, Lada, Ndeji, Kakafu, Gbangede, Ekati, Bologi, Sakpefu, Bokugi Tsaragi, Gada NYC camp, Gida Sani, Yelwa, Lema, Matokun, Chekugi, Gboagi, Gbale, Kokodo, Essanti, Lata Woro, Kossomunu, Batakpa, Ndafa, Esun Tauhid, Edogi Cikin, Ekko, Lalagi, Esun Tauheed, Edogi Dukun, Gamalegi, Guye, Dzara, Wariku, Dugbagi, Bishewa, Gbale, and Kusoziko.

Traditional rulers in some of these towns have suspended public gatherings, while farming — the main source of livelihood — has nearly collapsed.

A mass burial was recently held in Patigi for some of the recovered bodies, though dozens remain missing and are feared dead.

While the Kwara State Police Command and vigilante leaders have yet to issue an official casualty figure, local sources confirmed that some victims were buried without identification due to the extent of the attacks.

“We are tired,” said a community elder in Lade.
“Our youths who volunteered to protect the land are now in graves. The government must come to our rescue before more lives are lost.”

In a more recent incident on October 5, terrorists attacked another community, killing two people and abducting two others — including the village head — as residents prepared for the evening Maghrib prayer.