Suspected Bandits Abduct, Torture Iru Ekun Members in Kwara Community, Force Them to Denounce Group in Viral Video

Suspected Bandits Abduct, Torture Iru Ekun Members in Kwara Community, Force Them to Denounce Group in Viral Video 

The incident occurred in Bani community, Kaiama LGA, amid growing tensions surrounding the activities of the security outfit associated with Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho.

Armed men have reportedly abducted and brutalised several members of the Iru Ekun security outfit in Bani community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, forcing them to renounce their association with the group in a video circulating on social media.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, October 26, 2026, and involved several individuals whose hands were tied while their captors interrogated them about their alleged involvement with Iru Ekun.

The armed men reportedly accused the abducted individuals of disregarding previous warnings against associating with the security outfit in the community.

In the video, one of the armed men was heard questioning the captives in Yoruba, demanding to know why they continued to associate with Iru Ekun despite an alleged warning that the group was not welcome in Bani.

Captives Questioned Over Alleged Membership

During the interrogation, one of the captives identified himself as Yusuf Alagbere. He reportedly explained that he had not previously participated in Iru Ekun's activities but had been invited to join.

Yusuf reportedly said he belonged to a hunters' group and identified those who allegedly invited him as the “Elere boys.”

Another captive, identified as Jelili Alagbere, acknowledged his association with Iru Ekun. He was seen wearing a shirt bearing the group's name in the footage.

When questioned about his involvement, Jelili reportedly said he was unaware of the alleged prohibition against the group's activities in the community.

The armed men also questioned another captive identified as Rafiu, who explained that he was returning from home when he was abducted.

An elderly man was also seen with his hands tied behind his back. During questioning, he denied participating in Iru Ekun's activities and challenged his captors to identify any previous occasion on which he had been seen with the group.

Towards the end of the video, the captives were collectively asked whether they would continue participating in Iru Ekun's activities.

They reportedly answered in the negative, declaring that they would no longer participate in the group's operations.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction, the identities of all those involved and the captives' current whereabouts remain unclear.

Incident Follows Threat Against Sunday Igboho

The incident comes amid growing tensions following an earlier video in which a man identified as a Fulani resident of Bani allegedly threatened Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

In the earlier footage, the man warned Igboho against entering Bani, accusing the activist of disrespecting the community's traditional ruler.

He also rejected allegations linking Fulani residents of the community to banditry, insisting that they engaged in legitimate economic activities, particularly mining.

The man reportedly warned that Igboho would not leave the community safely if he dared to enter the area.

The alleged threat has heightened concerns about the activities of Iru Ekun and the possibility of confrontations between members of the outfit and individuals opposed to its presence in the community.

What Is Iru Ekun?

Iru Ekun is a security initiative launched by Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho to support efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in parts of southwestern Nigeria and neighbouring areas, including Kwara and Kogi states.

The group emerged amid persistent insecurity affecting rural communities, where residents have raised concerns about kidnappings, attacks and the displacement of people from their homes and farmlands.

Its supporters describe the initiative as an effort to complement conventional security agencies and help protect vulnerable communities.

However, the group's activities have also generated concerns about operational discipline, human rights and the potential for confrontations with other security groups or members of the public.

In June 2026, the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch in Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, reportedly expressed support for efforts to address insecurity while warning Iru Ekun members to operate within the law and cooperate with recognised security agencies.

The group was also cautioned against confrontations with other security operatives.

Calls for Investigation and Protection of Civilians

The reported abduction in Bani raises concerns about residents' safety and the need for security agencies to investigate allegations of kidnapping, assault and intimidation.

If established, the tying up of individuals, coercive interrogation and forced renunciation of an association would raise serious questions about personal safety, freedom of association and respect for the rule of law.

Security agencies should establish the identities of the alleged perpetrators, determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure the safety of the individuals shown in the video.

Authorities should also investigate the earlier alleged threat against Sunday Igboho and determine whether the incidents are connected.

At the same time, allegations against individuals or communities must be properly investigated rather than used to stigmatise an entire ethnic group. Responsibility for any criminal conduct should be established through credible evidence.

The incident highlights the need for a coordinated security response in affected communities across Kwara State to prevent further violence, protect civilians and ensure that anyone suspected of committing a crime is dealt with according to the law.