Residents of Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have been thrown into mourning following the killing of ten persons by bandits who invaded the sleepy communities on Tuesday evening.
Aside the killing of the ten villagers,the bandits also set ablaze many houses and personal effects of the residents.
It was gathered that the attackers stormed the communities in a large number around 6pm, unleashing terror on residents who were caught unawares.
Several families reportedly lost loved ones during the raid, while many houses were razed, forcing survivors to flee for safety.
A community leader, who confirmed the incident, said no fewer than 10 people were killed in the attack.
He added that the bandits were suspected to have emerged from forest areas around the Kainji National Park axis in neighbouring Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
“The attackers came in large numbers and started shooting sporadically.
“Many people were killed and several houses were burnt.
“Our people are living in fear,” the community leader said.
The Kwara State Government has confirmed the attack in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.
In the statement, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed deep sadness over the incident.
The governor condemned the killings, describing the attack as a desperate act by criminal elements facing sustained pressure from security agencies.
“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is saddened by the cowardly attack on civilians in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area,” the statement read.
He noted that the incident was “a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells following the ongoing counterterrorism campaigns in parts of the state and the successes so far recorded.”
According to the statement, the Governor said the attack appeared to be an attempt to distract security forces who have continued to record successes in dismantling terrorist and kidnapping gangs across different parts of Kwara State.
Governor AbdulRazaq extended his condolences to the affected communities and families.
He then assured them of the government’s commitment to strengthening security operations to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
