BREAKING: Terrorists storm Kwara community, kill four Soldiers, abduct residents in dawn attack

Terrorists in the early hours of Monday attacked Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing at least four soldiers, critically injuring a local vigilante, and abducting several residents after overpowering security operatives.

SaharaReporters gathered that the assailants struck at about 3:00 a.m., carrying out a threat earlier conveyed in a letter reportedly sent to the community days before the attack.

According to community sources, the terrorists entered the town under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee as panic spread across the area.

Security personnel, including soldiers of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, were said to have engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle that lasted 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.

SaharaReporters learned that four soldiers were killed during the confrontation, while a member of the local vigilante group sustained gunshot wounds and is currently in critical condition.

Sources also revealed that the attackers deployed 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 that they may have been abducted by the fleeing attackers.

“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 taken military patrol vehicles and motorcycles before fleeing the community.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from authorities regarding the incident, while tension remains high in the area amid fears of further attacks.