Again, bandits strike in Kwara community, kill five Forest Guards
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Armed bandits have again attacked Nuku community in the Kaiama local government area of Kwara State, killing five Forest Guards in the early hours of Friday.
The assailants were said to have stormed the community at about 3:00 a.m., shooting sporadically and throwing residents into panic as they unleashed violence on the agrarian community.
It would be recalled that this fresh attack happened barely two months after a vicious bloody assault on both Woro and Nuku communities in the same local government area, during which no fewer than 200 people were reportedly killed and about 176 others abducted.
A community source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said the attackers arrived in large numbers and operated for hours without resistance.
He said: “They entered through their usual route in large numbers in the early hours of today, April 10, 2026, at Nuku.
“They started shooting directly and within a short time killed several innocent people, including the newly recruited Forest Guards. In addition to the loss of lives, several properties were destroyed during the assault.
“The motorcycles belonging to the forest guards were set ablaze, while patrol vehicles operated by the mobile police were also burnt.”
The Kwara State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she has no details of the attack yet, promising to get back when she has details.
“I have not been briefed about the incident, but I will get back to you as soon as I have information,” she said.
The latest killings have heightened fear among residents, many of whom continue to express concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Alhaji Bashir Adigun, in a statement, said: “Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq received with heavy heart the death of five Forest Guards as they repelled a midnight attack on their position in Nuku community of Kaiama Local Government Area.
“The Governor commends their bravery and patriotism, which saw the Forest Guards fiercely neutralising dozens of the terrorists during the unfortunate incident.
“He says the incident again underscores the threats that the terrorists pose to the local communities and urges the military high command to tweak their strategies in the fight against the bad faith actors.
“I commend the efforts of the security agencies in this theatre and urges them to do more,” he says.
“Nothing can truly compensate for the ultimate sacrifice that the fallen guards have made on our behalf. Our sincere condolences go to the families and communities of the forest guards. They will forever remain our heroes.
“We are, nevertheless, committed to supporting their families. I pray that Almighty God repose their beautiful souls and give us victory over these terrorists.”
He added: “The Governor has meanwhile constituted the Kwara State Security Strategy Committee comprising Kwara-born retired military generals and top security officers.
“The committee consists of retired Major General GA Wahab (chairman); Maj. Gen. Yemi Abidoye; Maj-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo; Rear Admiral Aliyu Lawal; Air Commodore ASA Buhari; AIG Aderemi Opadokun; and Lt. Col. WA Lawal.
“Permanent Secretary (General Services) Shuaib Abdulganiyu (fcia) will serve as the Secretary of the Committee.
“The Governor is scheduled to meet with the committee later today, Friday April 10, for their inaugural meeting.”
