The governor disclosed that the incident occurred around 3am on Tuesday when armed terrorists launched an assault on a military formation in the area.
Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has confirmed that three Nigerian soldiers were killed while several terrorists were neutralised after troops foiled an early morning attack on Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
The governor disclosed that the incident occurred around 3am on Tuesday when armed terrorists launched an assault on a military formation in the area.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the swift response of the soldiers not only repelled the attackers but also prevented them from carrying out planned kidnappings in the community.
“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,” Abdulrazaq added.
Despite the successful operation, the governor confirmed that three soldiers lost their lives during the exchange of fire.
“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.
He assured that the state government would continue to support the families of the fallen soldiers while strengthening efforts to protect 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 stated.
The incident comes amid rising insecurity in parts of Kwara State, where suspected bandits have repeatedly attacked rural communities.
Earlier reports indicated that at least five residents, including three soldiers, were killed in a coordinated attack on the twin communities of Mari and Dina in Patigi Local Government Area.
Local sources said heavily armed assailants 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.
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