Kwara Governor Mourns Slain Forest Guards After Fresh Bandit Attack

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

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

He said he received 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,” the governor said.

According to him, the incident highlights 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,” he added.

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

AbdulRazaq assured that the state government would support the families of the deceased and intensify efforts to tackle 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 also announced the formation 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, with members including 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, while the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Shuaib Abdulganiyu, will serve as secretary.

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

The reaction follows the latest attack in Nuku, where suspected bandits reportedly stormed the community around 3:00 a.m., opened fire, and killed five forest guards.

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

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