- Residents say 95% of Lata Nna has fled due to bandit attacks
- The community urged Tinubu to deploy more security personnel
- Leaders warned the village could disappear without urgent intervention
Residents of Lata Nna in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in what they describe as an escalating security crisis that has forced nearly the entire community to flee.
Eko Hot Blog reports that community leaders said relentless attacks by armed bandits have displaced about 95 per cent of the population, paralysed farming and commercial activities, and left residents living in fear.
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The appeal was contained in a letter sent to the President and signed by the Secretary of the Lata Nna Youth Association, Tauheed Desco.
According to the letter, the community has faced repeated incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and violent invasions for more than two years, with the situation worsening in recent months.
Residents said the only road linking the settlement to neighbouring communities has become unsafe due to frequent attacks, making movement extremely risky.
They recalled a deadly clash in August 2025 between local hunters and suspected bandits, during which dozens of hunters reportedly lost their lives. Community members claimed only some of the victims’ bodies were recovered after the attackers overpowered the hunters.
The residents also listed several incidents they said occurred this year.
They alleged that a farmer, identified as Allassan Ndaba, was shot dead on April 15 while travelling to his farm.
On June 13, they claimed armed men entered the village in broad daylight, moving around without resistance while demanding fuel, recharge cards and other supplies.
The community further alleged that on June 26, gunmen blocked the only access road into the settlement, cutting residents off from nearby towns and killing two people who encountered them.
Another group of villagers was reportedly attacked and robbed the following day while returning from nearby bushes.
Residents said the violence continued on July 10 when armed men looted homes, shops, food supplies, cash, mobile phones and motorcycles.
They also alleged that a Point-of-Sale operator was robbed at gunpoint on July 15 after withdrawing money from a bank.
Community members said the persistent attacks have made it impossible to farm, trade or move freely, leaving many families without a means of livelihood.
They appealed to the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel, clear criminal hideouts in surrounding forests and secure the only road serving the community.
They also requested assistance for families affected by the attacks and support for those displaced by the violence.
In a separate video that surfaced online, the village head, Alhaji Mohammed Lata, said most residents had abandoned the community because of insecurity.
He explained that many now spend the night in neighbouring communities or temporary shelters, returning only during the day when necessary.
The traditional ruler also complained about poor telecommunications services, inadequate security coverage and the lack of a functional health facility, saying these challenges have made the crisis even more severe.
Women in the community described how the insecurity had shattered family life and forced many households to relocate.
The Chief Imam of Lata Nna equally appealed for urgent intervention, warning that the remaining residents could face further attacks if the situation persists.
The community called on the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and the Patigi Local Government Council to establish a permanent security presence, improve communication infrastructure, strengthen healthcare services and provide relief materials for displaced families.
Officials of the Kwara State Government had not responded to requests for comments as of the time the report was filed..
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