Bandits Kill Five Forest Guards in Kwara Community

Bandits Kill Five Forest Guards in Kwara Community

Suspected terrorists have killed five forest guards, including a commander, during an attack on Nuku community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, throwing residents into panic.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, saw the assailants storm the community, unleashing violence that left security operatives dead and property destroyed. Sources said motorcycles belonging to the forest guards were vandalised, while several buildings were set ablaze.

Police patrol vehicles deployed to the area were also reportedly torched during the attack, further compounding the scale of destruction.

Residents described scenes of chaos as gunfire forced villagers to flee their homes in search of safety. Many ran in different directions as the community came under siege.

Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command said efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible. Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire disclosed that tactical and intelligence-driven operations had been launched to track down the attackers.

Reacting to the development, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed grief over the loss of the guards, noting that they died while resisting the attackers.

The governor commended their courage, stating that the guards fought back and succeeded in neutralising several of the assailants during the confrontation.

He, however, warned that the incident highlights the persistent security challenges facing local communities, urging the military to reassess and strengthen its operational strategies against armed groups.

“Nothing can truly compensate for the ultimate sacrifice that the fallen guards have made,” the governor said, extending condolences to the bereaved families and pledging support for them.

In a move to bolster security coordination, AbdulRazaq has inaugurated a state security strategy committee made up of retired senior military officers and top security experts. The panel is chaired by retired Major General G. A. Wahab and includes other high-ranking officers drawn from the armed forces and police.

The committee held its inaugural meeting on April 10, with a mandate to review the state’s security architecture and recommend measures to curb rising threats.

The attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara, particularly in border communities vulnerable to incursions by armed groups.