ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Kwara State on Saturday for a visit to Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area, following a deadly attack that claimed the lives of 75 residents.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Stany Nkwocha, the visit was said to be on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nkwocha explained that the president mandated the vice president to personally assess the situation and extend the Federal Government’s condolences to affected families.
“The President has directed that the vice president assess the situation firsthand and convey federal condolences to the grieving families,” Nkwocha said.
Shettima was welcomed on arrival by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq alongside other government officials.
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Earlier, the governor had described those killed as local Muslims who were “massacred for refusing to submit to extremists preaching a strange doctrine,” although preliminary reports had placed the death toll at over 100.
The attack, which reportedly took place on Tuesday night, was said to have occurred after militants failed in an attempt to forcibly indoctrinate members of the community.
Nkwocha also disclosed earlier that Shettima, who departed Abuja on Saturday, was conveying President Tinubu’s commitment that justice would be served for the victims.
“VP Shettima is conveying President Tinubu’s strong assurances that the Federal Government will not relent until those responsible are tracked, apprehended, and brought to justice,” Nkwocha said.
President Tinubu had previously condemned the assaults on the Woro and Nuku communities, describing the attackers’ actions as “cowardly and beastly.” He also confirmed that military operations were already ongoing to arrest those responsible.
The president further announced the deployment of an Army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield to “checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities,” while calling for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to support victims and ensure accountability.