Suspected terrorists, early Monday morning stormed Kemanji community, Kaiama local government area of Kwara State, killing four soldiers and a member of the local vigilance team.

The terrorists launched a deadly attack on Kemanji Ward, Kaiama LGA, early hours of Monday, when they attacked the security operatives which led to exchange of heavy gunfire.

A resident described the incident as sudden and violent, recalling that: “bandits invaded Kemanji this morning around 3:00am. Our security agents; the army and local vigilante engaged them in an intense gun battle that lasted till 5:00am.

“They killed a few of our soldiers. We still can’t say how extremely disastrous the attack was until daybreak. Till then, pray for the departed soldiers,” he said.

Another member of the community confirmed the attack, saying: “there was heavy gunshot this morning in Kemanji four gallant soldiers were killed, and one vigilante was hit by a bullet”.

The assailants, suspected to be armed terrorists, reportedly stormed the community without warning, engaging security operatives in a fierce gun battle that left casualties on the side of the military and local defenders.

Residents were said to have fled their homes during the attack, seeking safety in nearby bushes and neighbouring communities as the sound of gunfire intensified.

As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether any residents were abducted during the attack, as authorities are yet to give an official statement on the incident.

Efforts to get official confirmation from the state Police Command and military authorities regarding the incident are yet to yield fruits.