Several people, including security personnel, are feared dead after armed bandits attacked Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State in the early hours of Monday.
The incident reportedly occurred around 3:00 a.m., days after residents were said to have received a warning letter allegedly from the attackers, which had already raised tension in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants invaded the community under the cover of darkness, shooting indiscriminately and sending residents fleeing into nearby bushes for safety.
Security forces, including soldiers and local vigilantes, were quickly mobilised and engaged the attackers in a gun duel that lasted until about 5:00 a.m.
A local source familiar with the situation said, “The army and vigilantes responded immediately and exchanged heavy gunfire with the bandits for hours before they withdrew.”
The source also claimed the attackers targeted a military position with an explosive device before moving further into the community, causing destruction in the process.
Although the full casualty figure is yet to be confirmed, some security operatives were reportedly killed during the exchange, while others sustained injuries.
A resident, Aliyu, described the attack as terrifying, saying, “People are in shock. Many have run away from their homes, and we still don’t know the full extent of what happened.”
The attackers were also said to have escaped with military patrol vehicles and motorcycles after the operation.
Meanwhile, youths in the community have called for the suspension of political activities, describing the incident as a period of mourning and collective grief.
A community figure, A.K. Musa, condemned the repeated attacks and urged authorities to take urgent action, saying leaders must do more to protect vulnerable communities.
Attempts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time, as the spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to inquiries.
The latest attack adds to a series of violent incidents in Kaiama LGA in recent months, deepening fears over worsening insecurity in the region.
