Breaking: Gunmen Attack Kwara Community, Kill Soldiers, Abduct Residents After Threat Letter
- Gunmen have reportedly attacked the Kemanji community in Kwara after an alleged threat letter circulated days earlier
- At least five soldiers have been killed during a hours-long gun battle, and seven residents have allegedly been abducted
- Attackers, according to residents, used an explosive device and carted away patrol vehicles, with nearby bases raising concern
Residents of the Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara state have been thrown into mourning and fear after armed bandits launched a deadly overnight attack, killing several soldiers and abducting at least seven residents.
Source: Getty Images
The attack, which reportedly began around 3:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, came days after suspected terrorists allegedly issued a threat letter to the community.
Legit.ng gathered that the attackers stormed the quiet rural settlement under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and sending residents fleeing into nearby bushes for safety.
A resident, who spoke under anonymity, described the chaos that unfolded:
“We started hearing heavy gunshots around 3 a.m. At first, we thought it was a misunderstanding, but it became clear that we were under attack. People were running in all directions. It was terrifying.”
Legit.ng gathered that the community had earlier received a warning, which residents took seriously, but it ultimately materialised into a devastating attack.
Security personnel, including soldiers and members of the local vigilante group, were said to have engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle that lasted for nearly two hours.
Another community source recounted the intensity of the confrontation:
“The soldiers tried their best to defend us. The exchange of gunfire was very heavy. It continued until almost 5 a.m. Sadly, we saw some of the soldiers fall. They fought bravely.”
"They came prepared" - Local source
Multiple sources confirmed that at least five soldiers were killed during the encounter, although official figures have not yet been released.
Source: Original
A vigilante member was also reportedly shot, with his condition still unclear as of press time.
Adding to the scale of the attack, residents said the attackers launched an explosive device at the soldiers’ camp shortly after arriving.
A youth leader in the area said:
“They came prepared. Immediately they arrived, they fired something like a bomb into the camp. The explosion shook the entire community. After that, the shooting became even more intense.”
There are also reports that the assailants carted away military patrol vehicles and motorcycles before retreating.
A resident expressed frustration over the proximity of military formations in the region:
“What is even more painful is that the Kainji Air Force Base and the army barracks in Kainji are not far from here. We expected quicker reinforcement. People are scared and confused.”
Pictures obtained by Legit.ng show the lifeless bodies of some of the slain soldiers lying in pools of blood, highlighting the brutality of the attack.
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Terrorists kill five guards in Kwara
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that suspected terrorists launched a midnight attack on the Nuku community in Kwara state. They killed five forest guards during a 3:00 a.m. raid in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The attackers were said to have targeted newly recruited security operatives, burning motorcycles and patrol vehicles during the assault.
Source: Legit.ng
