Gun Battle in Kwara Leaves Soldiers Dead, Terrorists Killed as Violence Spreads to Plateau, Benue

A deadly confrontation between security forces and suspected terrorists in Kwara State has left multiple casualties, including three soldiers, after a prolonged gunfight in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area.

The clash, which occurred between 3am and 5am, involved heavy gunfire exchanges. Attackers reportedly overpowered security personnel, making away with weapons, motorcycles, ammunition, and a military gun truck.

An anonymous former council chairman said:

“They came into Kemanji around 3am and attacked the security post. They killed three soldiers and two vigilantes, while many others were injured.
They also took about twelve motorcycles, guns and ammunition, and even went away with the army gun truck.”

Despite the intensity of the attack, sources confirmed that residents were not targeted.

“The terrorists did not kidnap or harm any residents. They only engaged the security personnel.”

A resident, Mohammed Mohammed, corroborated the account:

“They invaded the community and killed three military officers. They took their armoured vehicle along with motorcycles, arms and ammunition.”

Security forces have since launched a manhunt in nearby forests.

“We learnt that the bandits are many in number, and the military are already in the bush pursuing them,” he said.

The village head, Alhaji Sanni Zikki, attributed the attack to fighters operating from Kainji National Park.

“The terrorists came from the Kainji National Park and attacked our security men. We lost three soldiers. Some others were injured.”

“There were heavy gunshots everywhere. It was intense, but the security men tried.”

Elsewhere, violence continued in Plateau State, where six people were killed and eight injured in separate attacks in Barkin Ladi and Riyom. Residents said gunmen attacked at night, causing panic and displacement.

In Benue State, suspected armed herders killed five people in Gwer West Local Government Area, though police confirmed four fatalities.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack and called for swift action against those responsible.

Meanwhile, a rescued JAMB candidate, Agatha Buter, narrated her experience after being abducted while travelling to write the UTME.

“They threatened us with guns and bullets and beat us with cutlasses to force our parents to raise the ransom of N10 million they demanded.”

She added:

“The boys among us suffered the most. They were beaten repeatedly with cutlasses because the kidnappers were pushing for the ransom.”

In Kwara, authorities arrested 42 illegal miners in connection with the abduction of a monarch, Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, who was taken by armed men demanding a N400 million ransom.

Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo said investigations were ongoing and confirmed the arrests.

Amid growing concerns, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, directed troops to intensify operations against terrorists.

“The safety of our citizens rests on our shoulders… We must make Nigeria safe at all cost,” he said.

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