Security personnel discovered only one resident in Owa-Onire, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara South, after virtually all inhabitants fled the town.

The discovery was made during a coordinated operation involving personnel from the police drone unit, Mobile Police Force (MOPOL), the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and other security agencies deployed to forest corridors across parts of Kwara South.

Confirming the development to Daily Trust on Wednesday night, the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch in Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, stated that security operatives were met with silence upon arrival in the community.

According to him, there were no traders, worshippers, schoolchildren or other residents in sight, with homes and public facilities left deserted.

"The team found only one resident in the entire community," Oyin-Zubair said.

The lone inhabitant, identified simply as Lekan, is a prince of Owa-Onire who remained behind while other residents relocated to safer areas following years of attacks and kidnappings.

Residents were said to have gradually abandoned the community after repeated incursions by armed criminals operating within the forest belt spanning parts of Ifelodun and neighbouring local government areas.

The situation reportedly worsened after the traditional ruler of the community was abducted and held captive for months before regaining his freedom following the payment of a ransom.

The incident, community sources stated, heightened fears among residents and accelerated the exodus from the town.

During the operation, security personnel reportedly found deserted compounds, abandoned homes, a locked mosque and a silent church.

Lekan told the visiting security team that he survives mainly through farming, as there is no longer any commercial activity within the community.

With no functioning market in Owa-Onire, he stated that he travels to nearby Oke-Onigbin whenever he needs food and other essentials.

Security operatives reportedly offered him financial support to enable him to purchase foodstuffs from the neighbouring town.

The prince also informed the team that unidentified persons entered the community on Tuesday night, although he could not ascertain who they were or what their mission was.

Despite the incident, he remained the sole resident in the community by morning.

Oyin-Zubair stated that senior security officers who participated in the operation expressed concern over the situation, describing the abandonment of an entire community as unacceptable.

According to him, the officers pledged to push for sustained security deployments and other measures aimed at restoring confidence among displaced residents and facilitating their return.

Oyin-Zubair noted that Owa-Onire is not an isolated case, adding that several other communities in Ifelodun, Isin and adjoining local government areas have suffered similar displacement as criminal activities continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across the region.

The Kwara State Government has in recent months intensified efforts to tackle insecurity in the affected parts of the state through closer collaboration with security agencies and community-based intelligence gathering.

Authorities have repeatedly assured residents that restoring safety in vulnerable communities remains a priority, particularly in areas bordering forest corridors that have witnessed criminal activities.