Kidnappers have killed Lukman Balogun, the Commander of a vigilante group, during a rescue operation in the Igbaja community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
In response, angry youths took to the streets on Tuesday to protest his killing, describing Balogun as a relentless force against the bandits plaguing their community.
Balogun, who held the title of Jagun of Igbajaland, was killed on Monday evening. Sources revealed that the kidnappers had invaded the community on Sunday, abducting three women.
Two more individuals were reportedly kidnapped from Kajola village early Tuesday morning, with the youths accusing suspected itinerant cattle herders of carrying out the crime.
Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Elders Security Forum, confirmed the abduction of five people and explained that Balogun died in a gunfight between his team and the kidnappers.
“Right now, the combined team of police, military and vigilante men are in the forest around Igbaja and Oke-Ode searching for the abducted victims,” he said.
Another source said that the deceased was among the team on the trail of some kidnappers who had abducted a prominent resident of the town.
“It was at Ogele-Yaaru road that our Balogun was killed,” a source said.
The paramount ruler, Elese of Igbajaland, Oba Ahmed Babalola Arepo III, has called for calm among the protesters, describing Balogun’s death as a significant loss.
He assured the community that those responsible for the crime would be apprehended and brought to justice.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Femi Yusuf, led a delegation to the community to offer condolences and pledged that every effort would be made to track down the kidnappers and those responsible for Balogun’s death.
State Police Command spokesperson Toun Ejire-Adeyem confirmed the incident, calling it “unfortunate” and added that police officers are actively pursuing the kidnappers.