Kwara Gov Confirms Death Of Three Soldiers In Foiled Terrorists’ Attack

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has confirmed that three Nigerian soldiers were killed while several terrorists were neutralised during a foiled attack on a military position in Kemanji, Kaiama Local Government Area, in the early hours of Tuesday.

The governor disclosed that the incident occurred around 3am when armed terrorists launched an assault on the military base but were repelled by troops, preventing what he described as a planned kidnapping operation.

“At about 3am today, our gallant soldiers courageously beat back a terrorists’ attack on their position in Kemanji, Kaiama. Many of the terrorists were neutralised by the gallant troops,” Abdulrazaq said on Monday night.

He stated that the swift response of the soldiers stopped the attackers from gaining access to the community and averted further casualties.

“Our brave men not only repelled the terrorists and prevented them from accessing the community, but they also ensured that no one was kidnapped as the terrorists had intended,” he added.

Abdulrazaq, however, confirmed that the military suffered losses during the confrontation, noting that three personnel paid the ultimate price.

“In the course of repelling the attacks, we lost three courageous men. My sincere condolences are with the families and loved ones of these great men who have paid the supreme price in the service of our fatherland. We will never forget them and others like them in various theatres across the country,” he said.

The governor assured that the state government would continue to support the families of the fallen soldiers while strengthening efforts to safeguard lives and property.

“We will also continue to support their families and loved ones, while no resource will be spared to protect lives and property of the people,” he added.

The incident comes amid rising insecurity in parts of Kwara State, where communities have been subjected to repeated attacks by suspected bandits.

Earlier reports indicated that at least five residents, including three soldiers, were killed during an assault on the twin communities of Mari and Dina in Patigi Local Government Area.

Local sources said the attackers stormed the settlements, firing indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

“People were running helter-skelter when the bandits started shooting sporadically. Some of the victims were hit by bullets while trying to flee into nearby bushes. It was a terrifying situation because nobody knew where the next gunshot would come from,” a source said.