Kwara Youths Protest Deadly Attack, Mass Abductions in Kaiama, Demand Swift Security Response

By Angel Nwaozuzu

Youths in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara state have staged protest a peaceful through town on Tuesday, demanding urgent action on escalating insecurity and the safe return of 176 women and children abducted from Woro community in a recent raid.

The protesters carried placards bearing messages such as, “Hear our voices, stop the killing. Bad road. Bad network. Bring back our women and children.”

The demonstration followed a brutal assault on Kemanji community just 24 hours prior, leaving multiple dead and many missing.

Suspected terrorists hit Kemanji at 3 a.m. Monday, acting on a warning letter sent days earlier. Gunmen unleashed sporadic fire under cover of darkness, sending villagers fleeing in panic.

Nigerian Army soldiers and vigilantes clashed with the attackers in a fierce two-hour gunfight but were overwhelmed. Four soldiers died, and a vigilante suffered critical gunshot wounds.

“They came in large numbers, shooting right away. Soldiers fought hard, but the attackers gained ground,” one anonymous resident said. Attackers used explosives on a military post, inflicting heavy damage.

Dozens are missing post-attack, with fears of abductions by retreating gunmen who stole patrol vehicles and motorcycles.

“They took many away, families are still searching,” another sou,rce added.

The protest underscores poor roads and networks hindering security efforts amid rising threats.