Local vigilantes have rescued three residents abducted by suspected bandits in Chitta community, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Sources said the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday when heavily armed assailants stormed the quiet community, firing sporadically to scare residents before abducting three people and attempting to escape through nearby bushes.
According to eyewitnesses, members of the local vigilante group quickly mobilised after receiving distress calls from residents and began pursuing the attackers.
The vigilantes reportedly confronted the bandits inside a nearby forest, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee the area under pressure.
The three kidnapped residents were subsequently rescued unharmed and safely reunited with their families, bringing relief to members of the community.
Residents of Patigi have since praised the bravery and swift response of the vigilantes, noting that their intervention prevented what could have turned into a prolonged kidnapping ordeal.
Kidnapping and banditry have remained persistent security concerns in parts of Kwara North, particularly in Patigi and neighbouring communities, prompting calls for stronger security presence from authorities and the Nigeria Police Force.