Arewa Youths Condemn Soldiers’ Killing In Kwara, Seek Forest Sweep

Arewa youths have condemned the killing of soldiers by suspected insurgents in Kemanji area of Kwara State, calling on security authorities to launch a full-scale military operation to flush out criminal elements from forests in the area.

The group, in a statement by its secretary-general, Salihu Dantata Mahmud, said it was mourning the death of three soldiers who were killed while defending residents and protecting life and property in Kaiama local government area of the state.

Mahmud said the attack showed the urgent need for coordinated air and ground offensives, including clearance operations in Wawa, Woro, Gandu and Kemanji forests, which he described as hideouts for armed groups.

“We mourn with a heavy heart and strongly condemn the killing of the three soldiers who stood to defend the good people of Kemanji,” he said.

“It is high time air raids, ground clearance and complete combing of the forests of Wawa, Woro, Gandu and Kemanji are carried out to completely flush out these insurgents,” he added.

He said Nigeria could not continue to lose trained military personnel and other security officers to criminal groups, recalling previous attacks in parts of Borno State and Yobe State where security operatives were also killed.

The group also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and improve infrastructure in affected areas.

It specifically called for the rehabilitation of the Wawa-Kaiama Road, Kaiama-Kosubosu Road, Mokwa-Kainji Road and Wawa-Govanti-Agwara Road, saying poor road conditions were slowing troop movement during emergencies.

According to the statement, the establishment of permanent security structures in ungoverned communities would also help improve response time and sustain military presence.

The group further urged intelligence agencies to strengthen surveillance around border communities linking Nigeria and Benin, especially routes around Babanna, Kabe, Chikanda and Kainji.

It also called for stricter checks on vehicles transporting agricultural produce, alleging that criminal elements sometimes conceal ammunition in food consignments.

The Arewa youths added that governors of Niger State, Kwara State, Sokoto State and Kebbi State should convene a joint security meeting to deepen cooperation against cross-border crime and insurgent activities.