Fresh violence erupted in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Tuesday evening as bandits launched a deadly attack that has left more than 40 residents dead, triggering an immediate security takeover of the affected areas.
By Wednesday morning, soldiers and Forest Guards had been deployed to restore order, following what local sources described as one of the deadliest attacks in the area in recent months.
A senior local government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the rising casualty figure and the heavy security presence now in the communities.
“The casualties are over forty as we speak, and soldiers and Forest Guards have taken over the two communities. It’s a very sad development, especially at a time we thought the area was beginning to enjoy peace,” the source said.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers, believed to have crossed in from neighbouring Niger State, had initially approached residents under the guise of religious preaching, urging them to abandon the Nigerian Constitution and embrace Islamic law.
Sources said tensions rose when some residents openly disagreed with the message, provoking the attackers into opening fire on the gathering.
“The bandits became angry and began shooting indiscriminately at the congregation. Many people died on the spot, while a few managed to escape. As we speak, preparations for mass burials are ongoing,” the source added.
Beyond the loss of lives, several homes were reportedly set ablaze, leaving many families displaced and deepening the humanitarian impact of the attack.
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The Kwara State Government has since confirmed the incident. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the attack as “cowardly” and expressed deep condolences to the affected families.
“The governor condemns the attack as a desperate attempt by terrorist elements to distract security forces amid ongoing counterterrorism operations that have recorded significant successes across the state,” the statement read.
Governor AbdulRazaq assured residents that security agencies remain fully engaged and are intensifying efforts to dismantle remaining terror cells operating within and around Kwara State.
As security forces tighten their grip on the area, grieving communities are left to mourn their dead—another painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity in Nigeria’s rural heartlands.