Gunmen Kill 2, Abduct 3 In Kwara; Police Dismiss ‘Ghost Town’ Rumours

Gunmen have killed two persons and abducted another three in Ganmu village, near Babanla in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State.

The incident occurred on July 31, 2025, when the gunmen attacked some people who were travelling from Lagos to Babanla village in Kwara State.

The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement yesterday, confirmed the killing of the two persons and abduction of three others by the gunmen.
She, however, debunked the report in a viral video that the Ganmu Ahileri community has been deserted by the people and thus becomes a ghost town.

The statement reads: “The Kwara State Police Command is aware of a viral video making rounds on social media purporting that residents of a village in Ganmu Ahileri, near Babanla in Ifelodun local government area, have abandoned the community due to incessant bandit attacks, portraying the area as a ‘Ghost Town.”

“The command categorically states that the information is misleading and aimed at creating unnecessary panic and fear among citizens. While it is true that an unfortunate criminal incident occurred on 31st July 2025, where some unknown armed men attacked travellers in Ganmu village, resulting in the death of two victims and the kidnapping of three others, the command has since taken prompt and decisive action.

“The victims were travelling from Lagos to Babanla when they experienced a flat tire near Ganmu village. While addressing the mechanical fault, they were ambushed by five armed assailants, leading to the tragic deaths of Alh. Abdulrazak Ewenla, a native of Ajia village, and Jimoh Audu from Ganmu. The attackers also abducted Kazeem Ajide, Wahidi, and Mufutau (surnames of the latter two yet to be confirmed) to an unknown location.

“Upon receipt of the report, tactical operatives, including a combined team of police personnel, the military, and local vigilantes, were immediately deployed to the scene.

“Contrary to claims in the viral video, the armed security presence in the area — as seen in the clip — represents the coordinated deployment of law enforcement agents to restore confidence, maintain public safety, and ensure the rescue of kidnapped victims. This effort has since restored normalcy to the area.

“The command wishes to assure the public that investigations are ongoing, and every effort is being made to rescue the abductees unhurt and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The Kwara State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.”