Gunmen suspected to be bandits invaded Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, in the early hours of Monday, killing at least four soldiers and abducting several residents after overpowering security operatives.
In the attack which occurred about 3:00 a.m., also left vigilante critically injured.
The terrorists had earlier issued threat in a letter reportedly sent to the community days before the assault.
According to community sources, the terrorists stormed the town under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and sending residents fleeing for safety as panic spread across the area.
Security personnel, including soldiers of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, were said to have engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle that lasted for nearly two hours, from about 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers appeared heavily armed and well-coordinated.
“They came in large numbers and started shooting immediately. The soldiers tried their best to repel them, but the attackers had already gained ground,” the source said.
Sources further disclosed that the attackers launched an explosive device at a military position shortly after arriving, causing significant damage and weakening the defence.
“They used explosives on the soldiers’ camp. That was what gave them the upper hand,” the community source added.
In addition to the casualties, dozens of residents were reported missing as of Monday morning, with fears mounting that they may have been abducted by the fleeing bandits.
“They took many people away. As we speak, families are searching for their loved ones. Nobody knows the exact number yet,” a local resident said.
The attackers were also said to have carted away military patrol vehicles and motorcycles before escaping from the community.
The Nigerian military has not issued official statement since the incident.
