The Kwara State Government has reacted to the killing of five forest guards during a bandit attack on Nuku community in Kaiama Local Government Area, describing the deceased as heroes who died protecting their people.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, said he received news of the incident with deep sorrow and praised the bravery of the fallen security personnel.
He noted that the forest guards paid the ultimate price while confronting armed attackers, adding that their sacrifice would not be forgotten by the state.
The governor commended the efforts of security agencies operating in the state and urged them to intensify operations to curb rising insecurity in rural communities.
He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the slain guards as patriots who died in the line of duty.
AbdulRazaq further assured that the state government would support the families left behind and continue to strengthen measures aimed at improving security across the state.
To address the growing security challenges, the governor announced the formation of a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee, made up of retired senior military and security officers from the state.
The committee is chaired by retired Maj.-Gen. G.A. Wahab and includes other retired top security officers, with the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Shuaib Abdulganiyu, serving as secretary.
The governor is expected to meet the committee for its inaugural session to develop new strategies to tackle insecurity in the state.
The attack in Nuku reportedly occurred around 3:00 a.m. when suspected bandits stormed the community, shooting sporadically and killing five forest guards stationed at a security outpost.
Sources also said the attackers destroyed motorcycles and patrol vehicles belonging to the guards before escaping.
The incident has heightened fear in the area, coming weeks after earlier attacks on nearby communities in the same local government area.
