Fresh details have emerged on the deadly attack carried out on Tuesday in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where at least 75 people were confirmed killed by suspected terrorists.
A younger brother of the traditional ruler of Woro, Mr. Ali Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the attackers stormed the community shortly after 5 p.m., arriving in large numbers on motorcycles.
According to him, the assailants surrounded the community and opened fire from multiple directions, cutting off escape routes.
“They came around 5 p.m. and completely encircled the community. They started shooting from all angles, making it impossible for people to flee,” Umar said.
He explained that residents who attempted to escape were shot, while others who surrendered were taken to the palace of the village head, restrained and killed.
Umar disclosed that members of the traditional ruler’s immediate family were among those abducted during the attack.
“The chief’s wife, his mother and three of his children are missing. That makes five members of his household unaccounted for,” he said.
He added that the attack triggered widespread panic, forcing residents to flee and leaving the community largely deserted.
“The town is almost empty now. People are afraid to return. What we urgently need is a strong security presence to restore confidence,” Umar said.
He revealed that intelligence warnings about a possible attack had earlier been relayed to local government authorities and escalated to higher levels, adding that military patrols earlier in the day initially appeared to have deterred the attackers.
NAN also confirmed that fatalities were recorded in neighbouring Nuku community during the coordinated assault.
Governor confirms toll, announces military deployment
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq arrived in Kaiama on Wednesday night alongside service chiefs and top government officials, where he confirmed that 75 residents were killed.
He described the victims as local Muslims who were attacked for refusing to submit to extremists promoting a “strange doctrine.”
The governor announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to the area to conduct counter-offensive operations under a security initiative code-named Operation Savannah Shield.
He said injured victims were taken to the General Hospital, with some referred to the Teaching Hospital for advanced care.
AbdulRazaq condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act carried out by terrorist cells reacting to recent counterterrorism successes in parts of the state. He extended condolences to the affected families and communities.
Lawmakers condemn attack
The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, also condemned the killings, calling for intensified military operations along the border areas with Niger State.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdukadir Shehu, the speaker urged security agencies to flush out criminal elements exploiting border communities.
“I commiserate with the Emir of Kaiama and the families of the victims of this horrific attack,” Danladi-Salihu said.
“I call for immediate and intensified military action against the perpetrators and urge communities to cooperate fully with security agencies to end these killings.”
He further advised residents to remain vigilant, warning that as pressure mounts on criminal groups elsewhere, they may attempt to regroup or relocate.
The speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State House of Assembly to supporting all necessary measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.
ADVERTISEMENTS
