Gunmen attack Kwara community, kill four soldiers, vigilante

As Governor AbdulRazaq commiserates with families

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Four soldiers and a member of a local vigilance group were killed in the early hours of Monday when suspected terrorists launched a deadly attack on Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident, which was confirmed by residents, occurred around 3:00 a.m. when heavily armed gunmen stormed the border community, engaging security operatives in a fierce gun battle that lasted for about two hours.

A resident described the attack as sudden and violent, stating that bandits invaded the community and were confronted by soldiers and local vigilantes. According to him, the exchange of gunfire continued until about 5:00 a.m., leaving casualties among the security personnel.

A community leader, who also confirmed the attack, said four soldiers were killed during the clash, while a member of the local vigilante group was fatally wounded. He added that the full extent of the damage could not be immediately ascertained until daybreak.

According to sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers and specifically targeted a security formation comprising soldiers, forest guards, and vigilantes. The assailants reportedly engaged the operatives in a coordinated assault that resulted in significant losses.

Residents further alleged that the gunmen carted away weapons, an army gun truck, and several motorcycles during the нападение. They added that security forces had since launched a pursuit operation into the surrounding forests to track down the fleeing attackers.

Meanwhile, many residents fled their homes during the attack, seeking refuge in nearby bushes and neighbouring communities as the gunfire escalated. The village head of Kemanji, Alhaji Sanni Zikki, later confirmed the incident, noting that the attackers were believed to have operated from a nearby forest.

Reacting to the development, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq mourned the slain soldiers in a statement issued on Tuesday. He commended their bravery in repelling the attack and preventing kidnappings, while extending condolences to their families and pledging continued support, as well as intensified efforts to protect lives and property across the state.