In a bold and decisive move, the Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, recently identified as one of the state’s flashpoints for banditry, has initiated a grassroots response to the growing insecurity in the area.

According to unconfirmed reports, the Community Development Association, CDA, has summoned all traditional chiefs and ward heads to return and reside in Babanla during this critical period.

OSUNDAILY NG reports that many traditional rulers in the local government had earlier relocated to Ilorin, the state capital, following the incessant invasion of parts of the area by suspected bandits.

The directive, aimed at forging a united front, comes amid heightened tension after a string of attacks by armed assailants.

In recent days, the community has witnessed a spate of alarming kidnappings, including the abduction of two underage children from the household of the Olori (wife of the community head). The incident occurred just six days ago.

The Olori, however, narrowly escaped the attempted abduction, prompting the kidnappers to seize the two teenage children instead.

The abductors have reportedly demanded a staggering N200 million ransom for their release, with the children believed to be held at a location near Baba Sango.

Compounding the situation further, the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Babanla Branch, was also kidnapped approximately ten days ago.

Reports indicate that the captors deliberately incapacitated him to prevent any escape attempt and are demanding N10 million as ransom.

Allegations have since emerged implicating certain prominent individuals within the community, accused of acting as informants and providing logistical support to the bandits. These unconfirmed claims have sparked calls for a thorough investigation and heightened internal vigilance.

Community leaders are now urging residents to remain calm, cooperative, and alert, assuring them that steps are being taken to address the crisis in a holistic manner.

Meanwhile, security operatives are expected to intensify their operations in the area to prevent further attacks and secure the safe return of the kidnapped victims.

Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, has named his side’s starting XI for their Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday night.

Alonso has opted to start Gonzalo García and Vinícius Júnior in attack as part of his strategy to overcome the Bundesliga side.

Both teams go into the match having defeated Juventus and Monterrey, respectively, in the Round of 16.

The fixture is scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 9 p.m. Nigerian time.

Real Madrid Starting Line-up vs Dortmund:

Courtois, Trent, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Fran García, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Bellingham, Vini Jr., Gonzalo.

Substitutes:
Lunin, Carvajal, Militão, Mbappé, Modrić, Rodrygo, Lucas V., D. Ceballos, Brahim, Youssef, Jacobo Ramón, Asencio, Chema, Víctor Muñoz, Mario Martín.

Armed men attacked Solozo Market in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State killing one trader and abducting a woman and injuring another.

Eyewitness who spoke to Zagazola Makama, revealed that the assailants – estimated to be six men – rode into the market on three Bajaj motorcycles around. 2.20pm.

The main targets appeared to be traders who had arrived to buy pepper and other produce.

As the gunmen began firing on traders, a 29-years old trader, Imoter Denen from Harga Village was shot and killed. A woman who was identified as Nguveren Iorwuese was abducted by the gunmen, who fled to an unknown location.

Another trader identified as Saater Akwaza was shot by a stray bullet and suffered some wounds.

Security personnel responded immediately to a distress call and started searching the vicinity. A source with the Military said, they were in the area when it happened, but the gunmen had escaped before they arrived.

The injured victim was taken to the General Hospital in Katsina-Ala and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been released to his family for burial, following their request.

The incident has heightened tension in the area, with residents calling for stronger security presence and urgent government intervention to prevent further attacks.