Residents of the Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Monday after armed bandits launched a deadly attack, leaving an unspecified number of people, including soldiers, feared dead.
The attack, which reportedly occurred around 3:00 a.m., came days after the assailants allegedly issued a threat letter to the community, heightening fears of an imminent invasion.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the area under the cover of darkness, firing gunshots indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee their homes for safety.
Security operatives, including troops of the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, were said to have responded swiftly, engaging the bandits in a fierce gun battle that lasted for about two hours.
A local source told journalists that the attackers escalated the violence by launching an explosive device at a military camp in the community, causing significant damage before advancing further into the area.
“Our security agents, including the army and local vigilantes, engaged the attackers in an intense gun battle that lasted till about 5:00 a.m.,” the source said.
Casualties were recorded during the exchange, with several soldiers reportedly killed while attempting to repel the terrorists.
A member of the vigilante group was also said to have been shot, although his condition remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Residents described the situation as dire, with many fleeing the community amid uncertainty over the scale of the destruction.
“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,” a resident identified as Aliyu said.
The bandits were also reported to have carted away military patrol vehicles and motorcycles before fleeing the scene.
In the aftermath, youths in the area declared 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 and stand with our troops,” they said.
A community leader, A.K. Musa, condemned the worsening insecurity, calling on political and traditional leaders to take decisive action to protect residents.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were unsuccessful as of press time.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Kaiama LGA, following recent deadly incidents in nearby communities.
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