Fear Grips Kwara Communities as New Terror Group Mahmuda Kills Three Villagers

Panic has spread across rural communities in Kwara State following a deadly attack by a newly-emerged terrorist group, Mahmuda, which left three villagers dead in Duruma, Baruten Local Government Area.

The attack, which occurred early Tuesday morning, June 3, 2025, marks a disturbing resurgence of violence by the group, which has been linked to a series of coordinated assaults in Nigeria’s North Central region. According to sources cited by Sahara Reporters, the terrorists stormed the village and killed three residents, sparking fresh waves of fear among locals.

“Mahmuda militants killed our people in Duruma village of Baruten today,” a source said. “Just last week, they also set a farm settlement on fire.”

Mahmuda, a relatively new but fast-growing extremist group, has been terrorizing villages around the Kainji Lake National Park, operating across communities in both Kwara and Niger States. Their operations have extended to settlements in Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu in Kaiama LGA, as well as Yashikira District in Baruten.

Multiple sources also confirmed that the group has taken over some communities in Babana and Wawa Districts in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, deepening security concerns in the region.

Efforts to reach the Kwara State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful as the spokesperson, SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to calls.

The brazen attacks have sparked widespread fear, forcing many residents to flee their homes or remain indoors. Local authorities are yet to officially respond, and security forces have not issued any formal statement on containment efforts.

This is a developing story. More details will be made available as the situation unfolds.