Suspected gunmen on Monday attacked Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, and killed scores.
Kemanji is the headquarters of Kemanji Ward in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State.
The bloody attack, which claimed four soldiers’ lives, occurred at about 3.00 am.
Reports said security agents, comprising the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, engaged the bandits in an intense gun battle that lasted until 5.00 am.
It was gathered that some soldiers were killed during the attack.
The full extent of the damage caused by the attack could not be ascertained as of the time of this report.
A resident of the community described the incident as sudden and violent.
“Bandits invaded Kemanji this morning around 3:00 a.m. Our security agents, the army and local vigilantes, engaged them in an intense gun battle that lasted till 5:00 a.m. They killed a few of our soldiers.
“We still can’t say how extremely disastrous the attack was until daybreak. Till then, pray for the departed soldiers,” the resident disclosed.
Another community member, who also confirmed the attack, said, “There was heavy gunfire this morning in Kemanji. Four gallant soldiers were killed, and one vigilante was hit by a bullet.”
The assailants, suspected to be armed terrorists, reportedly stormed the community without warning, engaging security operatives in a fierce gun battle that left casualties among the military and local defenders.
Residents were said to have fled their homes during the attack, seeking safety in nearby bushes and neighbouring communities as the sound of gunfire intensified.
It remains unclear whether any residents were abducted during the attack, as authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to get confirmation from the Kwara State Governmen, the state Police Command and military authorities have yet to yield results.
Recall that armed bandits recently invaded Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state, killed scores, burnt houses and abducted over 100 residents who are still in captivity.
