Two suspected bandits were killed during a midnight raid on the Effan community in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident occurred around 1:20 a.m. on Wednesday when the armed men invaded the community, located near Gbugbu. The assailants began shooting sporadically as they attempted to abduct two women from the area.

However, the attack was swiftly repelled after local vigilantes and youth volunteers quickly mobilised to confront the assailants.

Confirming the incident to Daily Trust on Thursday, the vigilante commander, Gina Gana, stated that the ensuing gun battle resulted in the death of two of the attackers.

"The bandits abducted two women, but our men pursued them into the forest. We shot two of them one died on the spot, while the other later succumbed to gunshot wounds," he said.

He added that two members of the vigilante group sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

According to him, the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt after the vigilantes combed the surrounding bushes in pursuit of the fleeing bandits.

Following the attack, soldiers and local security operatives have intensified patrols around Effan and neighbouring communities under the Lafiagi Emirate.

Security sources said the area remains under close surveillance amid reports that some of the fleeing attackers may still be hiding in nearby forests.

Normalcy has since been restored to the area, with additional troops deployed to reinforce security and reassure residents.

Community leaders commended the combined efforts of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes in repelling the attack.

They also thanked the state government for its continued support in the fight against banditry and called for the provision of more equipment and logistics to strengthen local security operatives in rural areas.