Kwara: Fresh details have emerged on Tuesday’s attack on Worro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara by suspected terrorists. A younger brother to the traditional ruler of Woro, Mr. Ali Umar, reported to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the attackers invaded his community shortly after 5:00 p.m.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the attackers arrived on motorcycles and surrounded the community before opening fire from different directions. Mr. Umar described how the attackers came around 5:00 p.m., completely surrounding the community and shooting sporadically from all angles to prevent anyone from escaping. Residents who attempted to flee were shot, while those who surrendered were gathered at the village head’s palace, tied up, and shot.
Mr. Umar further revealed that the wife of the traditional ruler of the community, Hauwa Umar, his mother, and three of his children were among those abducted during the attack. He expressed that the community was thrown into panic, with many residents fleeing their homes, leaving the town almost deserted. He emphasized the need for increased security presence to restore confidence and allow people to return.
There had been prior intelligence reports of a possible attack, which were reportedly communicated to the local government authorities and shared with higher levels of government. Some soldiers had earlier patrolled the area on the day of the attack, which initially deterred the terrorists. NAN also reports that there were killings in Nuku community in the local government area.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who arrived in Kaiama on Wednesday night with service chiefs and cabinet members, confirmed that 75 local Muslims were massacred for refusing to surrender to extremists preaching a strange doctrine. The governor announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to prosecute counter offensives in the area, under the security initiative codenamed ‘Operation Savannah Shield’. The governor condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells due to the ongoing counterterrorism campaigns in parts of the state.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, Mr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, condemned the killings in Woro and Nuku communities. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdukadir Shehu, the speaker called for an immediate escalation of military operations in the axis bordering Niger to flush out criminal elements. He expressed condolences to the Emir of Kaiama, Dr. Muazu Omar, and the families of those affected, urging intensified military action against the perpetrators and cooperation from communities with security agencies.
The speaker urged residents to remain vigilant and alert, noting that as military pressure increases across various parts of the state, destabilizing elements may attempt to divert attention or seek refuge in new areas. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in Kwara.