Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed that no fewer than 75 people were killed during a deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area on Tuesday.
The governor disclosed this on Wednesday during a condolence visit to the Emir of Kaiama, Dr. Muazu Omar, and families of the victims. He described the incident as tragic and devastating, expressing deep sympathy with the affected communities.
Governor AbdulRazaq also revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new security intervention, codenamed Operation Shield Savannah, aimed at protecting residents of the area and preventing further attacks.
Accompanied by top security officials in the state, the governor assured residents that the government would intensify efforts to secure lives and property across Kwara State, stressing that those responsible for the attack would not go unpunished.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, confirmed that a mass burial was conducted on Wednesday afternoon for 70 of the victims in Woro community. He later led a delegation to visit the affected areas.
Speaking during the visit, the village head of Woro, Alhaji Umar Saliu Tanko, narrated his ordeal, saying he lost three children during the attack while his second wife and two other residents were abducted.
“I was at my shop when the bandits attacked my house on Tuesday evening. By the time I returned, my daughter and two sons had been shot dead, while my second wife and two others were taken away,” Tanko said.
Another survivor, Razaq Abdulazee, said he narrowly escaped death after noticing people fleeing in panic as he returned from work.
“When I got close to my area, I saw people running and shouting that bandits had invaded the community. I quickly gathered my family and we escaped into the bush,” he recounted.
He added that many residents who could not flee reportedly climbed trees in a desperate attempt to escape the attackers.
The assault has plunged the communities into mourning, with the state government reiterating its resolve to restore peace, prevent further violence, and ensure justice for the victims.
