Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Monday confirmed the killing of three soldiers during a fresh attack by suspected bandits on Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the governor disclosed this in a Facebook post on Monday evening, praising the fallen soldiers for their bravery in repelling the attackers.
AbdulRazaq said the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when the soldiers engaged the attackers and prevented further casualties.
He said, “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.
“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 extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the soldiers as heroes who paid the ultimate price.
“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 and others like them in various theatres across the country,” he added.
He assured that the state would continue to support families of fallen security personnel and strengthen efforts to secure lives and property.
“We will also continue to support their families and loved ones, while no resource will be spared to protect the lives and property of the people. Adieu, valiant soldiers,” AbdulRazaq said.
The confirmation followed earlier reports that several persons were feared dead after bandits launched a coordinated attack on the community around 3:00 a.m.
Sources who spoke with Punch said the attack was preceded by a threat letter allegedly sent to residents days before the incident, heightening tension in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately and causing panic.
One resident said, “Our security agents, including the army and local vigilantes, engaged the attackers in an intense gun battle that lasted till about 5:00 am.”
Another eyewitness, Muhammed Issa, disclosed that the attackers used explosives during the assault.
He said, “They killed some of our soldiers, but we still cannot ascertain how disastrous the attack was until daybreak.”
A resident, Sabi Aliyu, confirmed casualties among security personnel and said a vigilante member was also shot during the exchange.
“It’s very pathetic and disheartening. The entire community is in serious panic, and many villagers have fled. No one can yet predict the number of victims involved,” he said.
Sources further revealed that the attackers carted away military patrol vehicles and motorcycles before fleeing the scene.
In the aftermath of the attack, aggrieved youths in the area called for a temporary suspension of political activities, describing the incident as a period of mourning.
They said in a statement, “All political postings are hereby suspended till further notice. This is a moment of national grief.
“Bandits have killed our soldiers in Kemanji, under the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. 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.”
Community Leader Demands Action
A former Students’ Union President, A.K. Musa, decried the worsening insecurity and urged leaders to take decisive steps.
He said, “The truth representation is to have leaders who can speak, stand and fight against insecurity, and identify those connected to the criminals terrorising our community. I must appreciate our local security men. May Allah reward them.”
Musa called on political and traditional leaders in Kaiama to address the growing insecurity.
“Kaiama community leaders, both political and traditional, must come out to redress the insecurity situation. What is happening now suggests that our leaders have failed us,” he said.
He also stressed the need for accountability, adding, “I say this without apology: any leader, either political or traditional, who cannot stand for their people should resign from their position. We have waited too long without results. What we want and need is excellent results.”