The Kwara State Government has reacted to the killing of five forest guards in a fresh bandit attack on Nuku community in Kaiama Local Government Area, describing the victims as “brave patriots” who died in the line of duty.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, on Friday.

He said the slain guards paid the ultimate price while defending their communities against armed attackers, adding that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.

The governor commended security agencies operating in the area and urged them to intensify efforts to curb the growing threat of banditry in rural parts of the state.

He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the fallen guards as heroes who died in service to their communities.

AbdulRazaq further assured that the state government would support the bereaved families and strengthen ongoing security measures to prevent future attacks.

As part of renewed efforts, he announced the formation of a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee, composed of retired senior military and security officers from the state, to improve coordination and response to insecurity.

The latest attack in Nuku involved armed assailants who reportedly stormed the community in the early hours of the morning, killing the forest guards and destroying security equipment, including motorcycles and patrol vehicles.