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Kaiama town in Kwara State was thrown into panic on Thursday as suspected terrorists reportedly entered the Kara cattle market. The scare comes just 48 hours after a massacre in the community claimed around 170 lives.
Traders Flee Amid Stampede
Multiple sources said that the market, usually busy with trade and social activity, was crowded when armed strangers appeared. People ran for their lives, leaving goods behind in a chaotic stampede.
One resident said, “The market was filled with people doing their normal business. Suddenly, unknown faces appeared, reportedly armed. I had to leave food I bought because the panic was intense.”
Security Presence Questioned
Locals criticized the government’s response, claiming deployed soldiers only patrolled streets in vans and failed to provide meaningful protection in the markets.
“There were warnings from the youth about armed men camping near our communities. Authorities were alerted, but nobody acted. Now the whole town is in fear,” a resident said.
Social Media Captures Chaos
Videos circulating on social media showed the tense atmosphere. TikTok user Abiola posted clips showing traders fleeing, captioning them: “Now in Kaiama, bandits are now our president… we are fearing them like they are our God.”
Growing Fears After Massacre
The recent incident adds to fears following the massacre that reportedly killed 170 people just days earlier. Despite military deployment, locals question the effectiveness of security measures in protecting the community.
Efforts to get comments from the Nigerian Army and Kwara State government were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
