Several persons are feared dead following a fresh bandit attack on Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, with security personnel reportedly among the casualties.
Residents said the attack, which occurred late at night, threw the community into chaos as gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, forcing villagers to flee for safety.
Findings indicate that the assault was preceded by a threat letter allegedly sent to the community by the attackers, heightening tension days before the incident.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, were said to have responded swiftly, engaging the assailants in a fierce gun battle.
“Our security agents, including the army and local vigilantes, engaged the attackers in an intense gun battle,” a representative of Kaiama TV said.
Sources further disclosed that the attackers launched an explosive device at a military camp, causing significant damage before advancing deeper into the community.
During the exchange of gunfire, casualties were recorded among security personnel.
“They killed some of our soldiers, but we still cannot ascertain how disastrous the attack was until daybreak,” the source added.
An eyewitness, identified simply as Aliyu, described the situation as tragic, noting that several soldiers lost their lives while repelling the attackers.
“It’s very pathetic and disheartening. The entire community is in a state of panic, and many villagers have fled. No one can yet predict the number of victims involved,” he said.
The attackers were also reported to have carted away military patrol vehicles and motorcycles before fleeing the scene.
In the aftermath, aggrieved youths in the area called for a suspension of political activities, describing the incident as a moment of collective mourning.
“All political postings are hereby suspended till further notice. This is a moment of national grief. Bandits have killed our soldiers in Kemanji,” the youths declared.
“These men died protecting us. We mourn with their families, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the people of Kemanji. May Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest. No politics. We stand with our troops,” they added.
Reacting, a former Students’ Union Government President in the area, A.K. Musa, decried the worsening insecurity and urged leaders to take decisive action.
“The truth is we need leaders who can speak, stand and fight against insecurity, and identify those connected to the criminals terrorising our community,” he said.
He also called on political and traditional leaders to urgently address the security challenges.
“Kaiama community leaders must come out to redress the insecurity situation. What is happening now suggests that our leaders have failed us,” Musa stated.
He further stressed the need for accountability, urging leaders unable to protect lives to resign.
“I say this without apology: any leader who cannot stand for their people should resign. We have waited too long without results,” he added.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the police were unsuccessful, as the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to calls and messages as of press time.
The latest attack comes amid a resurgence of violence in Kaiama LGA. Earlier this month, bandits reportedly killed five members of the National Forest Guard in Nuku village and set patrol vehicles ablaze.
Three months ago, armed assailants attacked Woro and Nuku communities in the same area, leaving over 200 residents dead and 176 others abducted, including women and children.
