Governor of Kwara state, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has confirmed the killing of three soldiers following a fresh bandit attack on Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the State.
The governor disclosed this in a Facebook post on Monday, stating that the incident occurred in the early hours of the day when suspected bandits launched an assault on the community.
“At about 3 a.m. today, we lost three gallant soldiers as they courageously beat back a terrorist attack on their position in Kemanji, Kaiama,” he said.
According to him, the soldiers successfully repelled the attackers and prevented them from infiltrating the community or carrying out planned abductions.
“These brave men not only repelled the terrorists and prevented them from accessing the community, but they also ensured that no one was kidnapped as the terrorists had intended,” the governor added.
AbdulRazaq extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing them as heroes who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
“My sincere condolences are with the families and loved ones of these great men who have paid the supreme price in the service of our fatherland. We will never forget them,” he said.
He also assured residents that the government would continue to support the families of fallen security personnel while intensifying efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.
The attack reportedly occurred around 3:00 a.m., following what sources described as a prior threat letter sent to the community, raising tensions among residents days before the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed Kemanji under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately and causing widespread panic as villagers fled their homes.
Security operatives, including soldiers and local vigilantes, were said to have engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle that lasted until about 5:00 a.m.
A resident, Muhammed Issa, revealed that the assailants deployed explosive devices targeting a military formation, causing significant damage before advancing further into the community.
“They killed some of our soldiers, but we still cannot ascertain how disastrous the attack was until daybreak,” he said.
Another resident, Sabi Aliyu, confirmed casualties among security personnel and noted that a vigilante member was also injured during the exchange.
“It’s very pathetic and disheartening. The entire community is in serious panic, and many villagers have fled,” he said.
Sources further disclosed that the attackers made away with military patrol vehicles and motorcycles before retreating.
In the aftermath, youths in Kaiama Local Government Area called for a temporary suspension of political activities, describing the incident as a moment of collective grief.
“These men died protecting us. We mourn with their families, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the people of Kemanji. No politics. We stand with our troops,” a statement read.
A community leader, A.K. Musa, decried the worsening insecurity in the area and urged both political and traditional leaders to take decisive action.
“Kaiama community leaders must come out to redress the insecurity situation. What is happening now suggests that our leaders have failed us,” he said.
He further stressed that leaders unable to guarantee the safety of their people should step aside.
Efforts to obtain an official response from security authorities were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The latest attack highlights a resurgence of violence in Kaiama and surrounding communities.
Earlier in April, bandits reportedly killed five members of the National Forest Guard in Nuku village, while previous attacks in February left over 200 residents dead and 176 others abducted.,a matter of great concern..
