Gunmen have k!lled at least a dozen guards who protect forests and flush out criminal gangs and jihadists in Kwara State, police 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.
The attackers also kidnapped four members of the same family before fleeing the area.
A local vigilante leader, 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.
It was not immediately clear who the gunmen were.