Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled an early morning attack by suspected terrorists in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, according to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The governor disclosed in a statement shared on his official X account that the incident occurred around 3:00 a.m., with troops preventing the attackers from gaining entry into the community and foiling an attempted kidnapping.

He said several of the assailants were neutralised during the operation but confirmed that three soldiers lost their lives in the process.

“My sincere condolences are with the families and loved ones of these great men who have paid the supreme price,” the governor said, while assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to strengthen security and support affected families.

The attack has, however, drawn mixed reactions from residents, with some expressing concern over what they described as inadequate preventive security measures in vulnerable communities.

One social media user, identified as Nura, criticised the government’s response, arguing that reacting after attacks suggested a gap in proactive security planning.

Another commenter, Adeyemi Ishola, questioned the level of leadership presence on security issues in the state and urged stronger attention to threats facing communities in Kaiama.

Similarly, Tunde Adeniji called on the government to move beyond condolence messages and focus on implementing practical steps to prevent further attacks.

The reactions reflect growing concerns among residents about the need for stronger security strategies to protect rural communities across the state.