ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday night described the deadly attack on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State as a “pure massacre,” confirming that no fewer than 75 victims have been buried following the assault.
The governor spoke during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas and a condolence visit to the Palace of the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Mu’azu Omar, where grief-stricken residents recounted the scale of destruction left behind by the attackers.
AbdulRazaq said the killings marked a disturbing shift from earlier patterns of insecurity, noting that the assailants were not motivated by ransom but carried out a targeted slaughter.
“This is different from what we used to see. This was not kidnapping for ransom. This was just a pure massacre,” the governor said.
“We are short of words, but we thank the security agencies for their swift response.”
The attackers reportedly stormed Woro and Nuku communities late Tuesday, killing scores of residents and setting properties ablaze, plunging the agrarian settlements into mourning.
At least 75 people were confirmed killed in Woro alone, while several homes and community assets were destroyed in neighbouring Nuku, according to local accounts.
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Governor AbdulRazaq explained that the attack was directed at members of the Muslim community who resisted what he described as a “perverted terrorist doctrine.”
“Because they absolutely refused a change in doctrine, they were attacked and massacred,” he said, condemning the violence as cowardly and inhuman.
He assured residents that the state government, working with federal authorities, would ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and brought to justice.
“They have murdered sleep,” the governor said.
“Within the next month, this entire area will be flooded with soldiers.”
AbdulRazaq added that security presence in the axis would be significantly reinforced to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a battalion of troops to Kwara State to stabilise the area.
In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the new military formation would spearhead Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at flushing out terrorists and protecting vulnerable communities.
The President condemned what he described as a “beastly attack” on villagers who rejected extremist ideology.
The Nigerian military has also confirmed intensified operations in Kwara, saying it has launched sustained and coordinated offensives against terrorist elements operating in the state.