Fresh details have emerged on the deadly attack that claimed the lives of 75 residents in the Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, after suspected terrorists stormed the area on Tuesday evening, according to family members of the victims and official accounts.
A younger brother of the traditional ruler of Woro, Ali Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the assailants arrived at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, riding motorcycles and surrounding the community before opening fire from different directions.
He said the gunmen shot residents who tried to escape and tied up and killed those who surrendered at the palace of the village head.
Umar also reported that five family members of the monarch’s household including his wife, mother and three children were abducted during the violence.
As a result of the attack, many residents fled their homes, and the communities were largely deserted in the aftermath.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that 75 local Muslims were killed after they refused to accept extremist doctrines preached by the attackers, as noted in a state government statement. He said the victims were targeted because they did not yield to the extremists’ demands.
Governor AbdulRazaq said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the deployment of an army battalion to the affected area and launched a counter‑offensive named Operation Savannah Shield to curb further violence.
Some of the injured from the attack were taken to the General Hospital in Kaiama, while others were referred to a Teaching Hospital for advanced treatment.
Following the attack, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi‑Salihu, condemned the killings and called for more intensive military action along areas bordering Niger State to remove the threat posed by the attackers.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi‑Salihu expressed condolences to the Emir of Kaiama, Dr. Muazu Omar, and the families affected by the incident.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, warning that destabilising elements may attempt to relocate under pressure from security operations.
The reported massacre has raised alarm about insecurity in border communities of Kwara State, with family members and local leaders describing the aftermath as chaotic and traumatising for survivors. Authorities are continuing efforts to stabilise the area and prevent further attacks.
