Despite a preemptive SOS by the community to security operatives to stave off an impending attack by suspected armed Fulani bandits, gunmen have killed at least a dozen guards.
The unfortunate forest guards were part of those employed by the state to protect forests and flush out criminal gangs and jihadists in Kwara State, police said.
A sad and angry local vigilante leader, simply identified as Ajetunmobi, accused authorities of ignoring early warnings.
“We heard since Saturday night that the bandits were moving around the community and sent alerts to the security operatives. Unfortunately, they still attacked, starting with the duty post”, he said.
The attack occurred early on Sunday, September 28.
The attackers raided Oke-Ode, a small town around 70 kilometres (45 miles) from the Kwara state capital, Ilorin.
Police said the armed men “invaded” the area, “shooting sporadically”.
Police and forest security services responded and “discovered 12 lifeless bodies” of the guards.
Four others were wounded.
Among the victims were community leaders identified as Oji, Saheed Metubi and Baale Ógba Ayo.
