Kwara State, Nigeria - New and dangerous terror group, identified as "Mahmuda," has launched a fresh assault, this time on Duruma village in Kwara State's Baruten Local Government Area. Multiple sources confirmed to SaharaReporters that the attack occurred on Tuesday morning, with militants killing residents and causing widespread fear. This incident follows a pattern of increasing violence, as a week prior, the same group reportedly set fire to a nearby farm settlement.

This recent attack underscores the growing threat posed by Mahmuda, a group that has recently emerged in Nigeria's North Central region. They are known for terrorizing rural communities, especially those near Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP). Their reach extends across several areas, including Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu in Kwara's Kaiama Local Government Area, as well as various villages within Yashikira District in Baruten. Disturbingly, sources also indicate that Mahmuda has taken control of communities in Niger State's Babana and Wawa Districts.

Attempts to get comments from the state police command were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to calls. Earlier reports from April highlighted how residents in Kwara's Kaiama Local Government Area were already fleeing their homes in large numbers due to Mahmuda's tightening grip. Community members have expressed deep frustration and accused both the Nigerian and Kwara State governments of neglecting the worsening security situation.

One resident from Kemanji, a community now under the group's control, voiced fears that this could escalate like situations in other states. The pervasive fear has led to a mass exodus, with people, rich and poor alike, abandoning their homes for safer areas like Kaiama town or Ilorin. Locals explain that the terrorists had long occupied dense forests without incident until a military raid during Ramadan reportedly provoked them, leading to the current wave of attacks. The army, they claim, has since left them vulnerable. An audio message from Mahmuda had previously threatened attacks on Duruma and other parts of Borgu Kingdom, vowing to kill anyone who resisted.

Source: https://saharareporters.com/2025/06/03/breaking-new-terrorist-group-mahmuda-resumes-attacks-kwara-community-kills-three