Several persons, including soldiers, are feared dead following a fresh bandit attack on Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State yesterday.
The attack adds to a growing wave of violence in Kaiama Local Government Area.
On April 10, 2026, suspected bandits reportedly killed five members of the National Forest Guard in Nuku village and set patrol vehicles ablaze. Similarly, in February, gunmen attacked Woro and Nuku communities in the same area, leaving over 200 persons dead and about 176 others abducted, including women and children.
In the latest incident, residents said the attackers struck around 3 a.m., days after reportedly issuing a threat to the community, heightening tension in the area.
The assailants were said to have invaded the community under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, were said to have responded swiftly, engaging the bandits in a gun battle that reportedly lasted for about two hours.
A local source told our correspondent that the attackers allegedly launched an explosive device at a military formation in the area, causing significant damage before advancing into the community.
“Our security agents engaged them in a fierce gun duel that lasted till about 5 a.m.,” the source said.
The source added that casualties were recorded among the security personnel during the exchange of fire, although the exact number of those killed remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
“They killed some soldiers, but the extent of the damage is still uncertain until full assessment is carried out,” the source stated.
An eyewitness also confirmed that several soldiers were killed while repelling the attack, while a member of the local vigilante group sustained gunshot injuries.
Residents described the incident as devastating, noting that many villagers had fled the community over fears of further attacks.
A resident who identified himself simply as Aliyu said: “The situation is heartbreaking. People are running for their lives, and no one can say for sure how many have been killed.”
Meanwhile, some youths in the area called for a suspension of political activities, describing the incident as a period of mourning.
“This is a moment of grief. Our soldiers died protecting us. We stand with their families and the Nigerian Armed Forces,” the youths said in a statement.
A.K. Musa, another community leader, lamented the worsening insecurity in the area and urged leaders to take decisive steps to address the situation.
He called on political and traditional leaders to rise to the challenge, warning that continued inaction would further endanger lives.
“Kaiama leaders must act now. The level of insecurity suggests a failure of leadership, and urgent steps must be taken to protect the people,” he said.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to calls and messages as of press time.
