The Department of State Services (DSS) in Kwara State has raised alarms about a possible attack on the Gbabe community located in the Baruten Local Government Area. This warning is in response to an escalating pattern of violence in the region, particularly following a recent assault on the Woro community in Kaiama LGA that resulted in numerous fatalities. The alert was formally communicated to the Kwara State Police Command and highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the area.

In a letter dated February 5, 2026, the State Director of the DSS in Kwara, J.S. Adams, referenced the heightened insecurity across the Kwara North axis and noted the alarming movement and congregation of armed individuals in proximity to the Kiyoru Settlement in the Gwanara District. The warning specifies that these armed men are believed to be affiliated with the Mamuda group, indicating the potential for organized violence against the local populace. This threat has prompted the organizing of local vigilante groups, including the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), who have declared a state of emergency to protect the communities from impending attacks.

The implications of this warning are significant for the security landscape in Kwara State, as local residents now face increased threats of violence. The DSS's proactive communication underscores the state’s effort to preempt such incidents; however, it also raises concerns about the adequacy of existing security frameworks in addressing these growing threats. Vigilante organizations like the OPC play a critical role in community safety, yet their involvement reveals the critical disconnect between security agencies and their ability to ensure peace in volatile regions. This situation must be addressed comprehensively to restore public confidence and reinforce community safety initiatives.