Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has disclosed that a wave of violent attacks in Kaiama Local Government Area left at least 75 residents dead, following what authorities describe as an extremist assault on communities that refused to accept radical religious doctrines.
The governor spoke during a condolence visit to Kaiama, where he met the Emir of the area and families affected by the violence that struck Woro and Nuku communities. He described the incident as a grave tragedy and said the state and federal governments had begun urgent security and stabilization measures.
President Orders Special Security Taskforce
Governor AbdulRazaq said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the deployment of a special security formation named Operation Shield Savannah.
According to the governor, the taskforce will focus on protecting vulnerable settlements, restoring confidence among residents, and preventing further attacks across Kaiama and surrounding border communities.
He said the federal government acted swiftly after receiving briefings on the scale and brutality of the assault.
Governor Meets Emir, Families of Victims
During his visit, AbdulRazaq paid his respects to the Emir of Kaiama, Muazu Omar, and held closed-door meetings with families who lost relatives in the attacks.
He said the state government shared in the grief of the affected communities and pledged continued support as security agencies pursue those responsible.
The governor was accompanied by senior security officials, reflecting what he described as a coordinated response to an evolving threat.
Local Government Confirms Mass Burial
The chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Danladi, confirmed that dozens of victims were buried in a mass grave at Woro.
He said at least 70 bodies were interred on Wednesday afternoon as families struggled to cope with the scale of the loss.
Danladi described the scene as devastating and said the council was working with emergency responders and traditional leaders to assist survivors.
Survivors Describe Chaos and Loss
Residents who escaped the violence recounted harrowing experiences.
The village head of Woro, Umar Tanko, said he was away from home when the attackers struck. He later learned that his daughter and two sons were killed during the assault.
He said his second wife and two other residents were taken away by the attackers. Community members say several people remain missing as security forces comb surrounding forests.
Another survivor, Razaq Abdulazeez, said he narrowly escaped after noticing people fleeing toward the outskirts of town.
He said many residents ran into nearby bushland, while others climbed trees to avoid being spotted by the attackers.
Soldiers and Forest Guards Deployed
Following the attacks, soldiers and forest guards moved into Woro and Nuku to prevent further violence.
Residents confirmed that armed patrols now control key access routes and surrounding forest areas. Security sources said the deployment aims to block escape paths and dismantle remaining cells operating near the Kwara–Niger State boundary.
Some residents reported that casualty figures continued to rise in the hours after the attack as injured victims succumbed to their wounds.
Extremist Preaching Linked to Violence
Sources familiar with the incident said the attackers arrived from neighboring communities in Niger State.
According to residents, the group had previously visited villages in Niger State, urging people to abandon Nigeria’s constitutional system and adopt a strict interpretation of religious law.
When the group entered Woro and Nuku, locals reportedly rejected the message. Witnesses said dissent during the sermons angered the attackers, triggering the violence.
A survivor said the attackers opened fire after facing resistance, leaving scores dead within minutes.
Homes Burned, Families Displaced
Beyond the loss of life, the attacks caused extensive property damage.
Residents said several houses were set ablaze, forcing families to flee with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Community leaders said food supplies, livestock, and household items were destroyed.
Humanitarian needs have since increased, with displaced families seeking shelter in nearby towns and villages.
State Government Condemns Attack
Earlier, the state government issued a statement through the governor’s spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, condemning the violence.
The statement described the attack as a desperate act by extremist groups attempting to undermine recent counterterrorism gains in parts of Kwara State.
Officials said security forces had recorded progress against kidnapping and terror networks in recent months, and the attack appeared aimed at diverting attention and resources.
Security Efforts Intensified Across the State
Governor AbdulRazaq said the state would strengthen intelligence gathering and patrols in rural communities.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements. He also warned against politicizing the tragedy, saying the protection of lives remained the government’s primary concern.
As investigations continue, security agencies maintain a heavy presence in Kaiama, while authorities work to stabilize communities traumatized by one of the deadliest attacks in the state in recent years.
