Unidentified gunmen attacked forest guards on Sunday in Oke-Ode, a rural community in Kwara State. The attackers killed 12 officers from the National Forest Security Service and the local forest department. Four others survived and are receiving treatment in critical condition.
Police officers confirmed multiple gunshot wounds on the victims. They are questioning the survivors to gather details on the attackers’ motives and identities. No group has claimed responsibility for the ambush.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack and expressed deep sorrow. He directed the military and police to hunt down the culprits. The governor praised the bravery of forest rangers and local hunters who tried to defend the area. He urged residents to remain calm and share any useful information with security agencies.
This attack adds to rising violence in Nigeria’s central and northern regions. Armed groups continue to launch deadly raids linked to land disputes, grazing conflicts, and banditry. Criminal gangs and insurgents often exploit weak security to expand their operations.
Recent months have seen similar killings in other states, creating fear among rural communities. Security experts say the government must act fast. They recommend stronger rural patrols, better intelligence sharing, and strict accountability to end the violence.
Residents and civil groups are calling for urgent federal action. They want authorities to arrest the attackers and boost protection for forest officers.
