Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked a Police Mobile Force (PMF) camp in Tenebo community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three officers and injuring two others.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, throwing the community into panic as residents fled for safety amid prolonged gunfire.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, who reportedly stormed the area around 2am in large numbers, some riding motorcycles, attempted to infiltrate the town but met resistance from security operatives, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
A resident, Mohammed Abdul, said the gun battle lasted for hours.
“They came in large numbers and tried to enter the town, but security operatives engaged them. At the end, three officers were killed and two injured. The attackers eventually retreated. We cannot confirm if they suffered casualties,” he said.
Another resident, Halidu Umar, described the incident as terrifying, noting that many villagers remained on edge hours after the attack.
“None of us could sleep throughout the night. Even now, there is fear because Tenebo is very close to Kaiama town. The area links to the National Park where these bandits are believed to be hiding. They usually attack and retreat into the forest,” he said.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident, stating that three officers were killed while two others who sustained injuries were responding to treatment.
“Yes, the attack happened. We lost three gallant officers, and two others were injured. They are currently receiving treatment. No arrest has been made so far,” the police boss said.
The latest assault adds to a growing wave of insecurity in the Kaiama axis. Last month, bandits reportedly overran a joint security outpost in Kemanji, a neighbouring community, killing three soldiers and two vigilantes.
The attackers were said to have carted away an army gun truck and other equipment during the raid.
In a similar incident, five members of a local forest guard were earlier killed in Nuku community, another suburb of Kaiama, with their operational vehicles and facilities set ablaze.
Residents have since called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify operations in the area to curb the recurring attacks and restore confidence among communities.
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