Suspected bandits have launched a deadly assault on Nuku village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing five forest guards and destroying security assets in a predawn attack that has heightened fears over safety in the area.
The attackers, said to have struck around 3am on Friday, reportedly stormed the community in large numbers, firing indiscriminately and throwing residents into panic as they unleashed violence for hours without resistance.
Local sources told PUNCH Metro that the assailants, who allegedly accessed the village through a familiar route, targeted security personnel shortly after arrival, killing several victims, including newly recruited forest guards.
The marauders were also said to have set ablaze motorcycles belonging to the guards, while patrol vehicles operated by mobile police officers were not spared in the coordinated attack.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, described the incident as a well-organised invasion, lamenting that the attackers operated freely and caused extensive damage to property.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said details were still being compiled, assuring that updates would be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
The latest attack underscores growing concerns over recurring security breaches in rural communities, with residents calling for urgent reinforcement of security presence in the area.