Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the deadly attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the killings as barbaric and warning that the Federal Government must not treat the worsening security situation lightly.
The attacks, which occurred on Tuesday evening, reportedly left scores of residents dead and forced several communities to flee, triggering nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the spread of violent extremist groups into previously peaceful areas.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Kwankwaso said he was deeply saddened and horrified by reports of mass casualties in the affected communities.
“I am deeply saddened and horrified by the reported massacre of at least 162 innocent lives in the communities of Woro and Nuku in Kwara State,” he said.
Condemning the assault, the former Kano State governor described the incident as an act of terrorism that must not be allowed to gain ground in any part of the country.
“This barbaric attack is condemnable in the strongest terms. It was carried out by terrorist elements that must not be tolerated or allowed to fester in any part of our nation,” Kwankwaso said.
He warned that violent groups were expanding their operations beyond traditional hotspots, placing increasing pressure on security agencies.
“As I have consistently warned, the Federal Government cannot afford to treat these developments lightly. These violent groups are steadily expanding their reach into regions that were once peaceful and secure. With each passing day, the burden on our armed forces grows heavier, and the need for decisive, coordinated action becomes more urgent,” he added.
Kwankwaso also expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Kwara State, and the state government, praying for comfort for those affected by the tragedy.
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Meanwhile, earlier reports had indicated that over 100 people were feared killed during coordinated attacks on the Woro and Nuku communities by suspected Islamic militants. Another deadly incident was also recorded in Benue State, where bandits reportedly attacked Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area.
However, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq later confirmed that 75 residents were killed in the Woro and Nuku attacks. Addressing residents at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama on Wednesday night, the governor said the victims were “local Muslims massacred for refusing to surrender to extremists preaching a strange doctrine.”
AbdulRazaq further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield to conduct counter-offensive operations against the attackers.
The police confirmed that the assault began at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday, adding that security personnel have since been deployed to the affected areas, while investigations into casualties and missing persons are ongoing.