Kwara Communities Gripped by Anxiety Over Recurrent Midnight Helicopter Visits in Troubled Patigi Forest Zone

picture used for illustrative purposes only

 

Residents of Patigi and parts of Edu Local Government Area in Kwara State are expressing rising alarm over the frequent sighting of helicopters landing deep within the Patigi forest. With each appearance, a wave of suspicion grows stronger, as locals fear the aircraft may be linked to the increasing wave of insecurity that has plagued the region in recent months.

These landings, often occurring at odd hours including late at night, have sparked theories that the aircraft might be ferrying supplies such as weapons, food, or logistical materials to armed groups suspected to be hiding within the dense forest.

People living in nearby communities say these activities are not only suspicious but have also become too frequent to be dismissed as coincidence. According to several sources within the area, the aircraft rarely give prior notice or identification, making their presence feel more clandestine than official. The concern is further heightened by the timing of the visits, which reportedly take place under the cover of darkness, away from public view.

A local vigilante leader, who asked not to be named for security reasons, described the unease felt by his group and others who have been monitoring the situation on the ground. "We are supposed to be the eyes and ears on the ground here, but often we only hear the sound of the helicopters when they’re already descending into the forest. Sometimes this happens past midnight. We’re left with more questions than answers," he said.

Community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth groups have reportedly raised the alarm during private meetings, as fear spreads across local settlements. Some believe that the forest, already known for its difficult terrain and vast size, could be turning into a safe haven for criminal elements including kidnappers and insurgents who have been terrorizing the region.

A former legislator from Edu Local Government confirmed that the issue has gone beyond mere speculation. He said the matter has been discussed among key stakeholders and that the pattern of these landings has not gone unnoticed. “This isn’t gossip anymore. It’s an ongoing concern at every leadership level within the community,” he revealed.

Despite mounting concerns, the Kwara State Police Command has pushed back against the narrative suggesting anything sinister is taking place. Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, told reporters that the helicopters are officially sanctioned and are being used to support surveillance operations over difficult terrains like the Patigi forest. He emphasized that the air operations are part of a broader security effort designed to combat criminality, not support it.

Still, many residents remain skeptical. They argue that the police and other security agencies have done little to engage with local communities about the purpose and frequency of the helicopter visits. This lack of transparency, they say, has only deepened public mistrust.

"The people are not against government action, but they deserve to be informed," said a community elder. "No one feels safe when helicopters appear and disappear in the night without any explanation. We live here. We deserve clarity."

The anxiety is not without context. Over the past year, several high-profile kidnappings and violent attacks have been reported in parts of Kwara, and Patigi forest has increasingly become a name associated with danger. A group known as Mahmuda is believed to be behind many of these crimes, and locals fear that the forest is being used as a base for their operations.

Community members are now urging federal and state authorities to establish a more visible security presence in the area. Patrols, both aerial and ground-based, should be coordinated with local security groups and involve clear communication with traditional rulers and town councils.

For many, the issue is no longer about whether or not helicopters are involved in something illegal. It is the secrecy and silence that make the situation unbearable. Until open dialogue occurs between the government and the people, fears will continue to fester and trust will remain elusive.

Security experts have also weighed in, advising authorities to ensure that any ongoing operations be carried out with a higher degree of transparency and public engagement. A lack of clarity, they warn, could erode confidence in the very institutions meant to protect the public.

As tension simmers in the communities surrounding Patigi forest, the people are left hoping for one thing above all: to no longer feel like strangers in their own land, uncertain about what is unfolding just beyond the tree line.