Kwara attack leaves 12 forest guards and chief dead, police hunt

At least 12 forest guards and a local traditional chief were killed early Sunday when armed men stormed the community of OkeOde in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, officials said. The attack took place in the Ogbayo area of the town at about 7:00 a.m., according to police, who found the bodies after responding alongside members of the National Forest Security Service.

Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi said the assailants fired sporadically and that four other people were wounded and taken to hospital. Investigators described the victims as members of a local forest guard unit and vigilante volunteers who had been stationed to protect the community. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and said a joint police and military operation is underway to track those responsible. "Those responsible will be brought to justice," the police spokesperson said.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed deep sorrow over the killings and called for an increased military presence in vulnerable communities. His office said the Nigerian Army Headquarters has directed the General Officer Commanding 2 Division in Ibadan to relocate temporarily to...