Kwara reacts to fresh bandit attack, mourns slain forest guards

The Kwara State Government has reacted to the recent bandit attack in Nuku community in Kaiama Local Government Area, where five forest guards were killed during a midnight assault on a security outpost.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, described the slain guards as brave patriots who died in defence of their communities.

The governor said he received the news of the attack with a heavy heart, noting that the victims paid the ultimate price while confronting armed assailants.

“I commend the efforts of the security agencies in this theatre and urge them to do more,” AbdulRazaq said.

He said the incident underscored the persistent threat posed by bandits and other criminal elements to rural communities across the state.

“Nothing can truly compensate for the ultimate sacrifice that the fallen guards have made on our behalf,” the governor said.

“Our sincere condolences go to the families and communities of the forest guards. They will forever remain our heroes,” he added.

AbdulRazaq also assured that the state government remained committed to supporting the families of the deceased and intensifying efforts to curb insecurity.

“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 said.

The governor further announced the constitution of a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee made up of retired senior military and security officers of Kwara origin to strengthen the state’s security response.

The committee is chaired by retired Maj.-Gen. G.A. Wahab and includes Maj.-Gen. Yemi Abidoye, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo, Rear Adm. Aliyu Lawal, Air Cdre. A.S.A. Buhari, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aderemi Opadokun, and Lt. Col. W.A. Lawal.

The Permanent Secretary (General Services), Shuaib Abdulganiyu, will serve as secretary of the committee.

The governor is expected to meet with the committee for its inaugural session later on Friday to deliberate on strategies to tackle insecurity in the state.

The reaction follows the latest attack in Nuku, where suspected bandits stormed the community around 3:00 a.m., shooting sporadically and killing five forest guards.

Sources said the attackers, who arrived in large numbers, also set ablaze motorcycles belonging to the forest guards and burnt patrol vehicles during the assault.

The incident has heightened fear among residents, coming barely two months after a deadly attack on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in the same local government area.