The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to immediately mobilise humanitarian assistance for victims of a brutal overnight attack in the Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of the state. The directive came in the early hours of Thursday, following an on-the-ground assessment of the incident that claimed at least 75 lives.
Governor AbdulRazaq made the announcement around 2 a.m. during a visit to the affected community, where he stood with victims, local leaders and security officials to offer condolences and outline next steps in relief efforts. He was accompanied by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, senior security commanders and other government officials.
The governor described the attack in Woro as a massacre, explaining that it was not typical banditry but a targeted assault linked to ideological extremism. “From the information available to us, these victims were massacred because they refused to submit to a strange Islamic doctrine,” AbdulRazaq told reporters after briefings from security agencies and community leaders.
“We are deeply saddened. We are here to commiserate with Your Royal Highness over the death of 75 of your subjects. May Allah grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus,” the governor said at the Emir’s palace late Wednesday night, referring to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar.
To support victims’ families, AbdulRazaq said state emergency services would begin enumeration of affected households and determine the best approach to provide relief, including potential shelter, food and medical support. “At the moment, the state emergency services will commence enumeration and determine how best to support affected families,” he said.
In a bid to prevent further attacks and restore calm, the governor applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the immediate deployment of a battalion of soldiers to the area under a newly-launched security initiative dubbed Operation Savannah Shield. “This is now a major challenge because it goes beyond Kwara and extends to the Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State. They have murdered sleep, but I can assure you that within the next one month, the area will be flooded with soldiers, and the results will be positive, by God’s grace,” AbdulRazaq said.
The troops, authorised by federal command, are expected to support ongoing efforts to secure vulnerable communities, track down perpetrators and dismantle terror cells believed to be responsible for the Woro assault. This deployment aligns with broader federal action in the region following similarly deadly attacks in Kwara and neighbouring states.
Speaking during the governor’s visit, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, said the attackers were followers of an extremist group led by a figure known locally as Mahmuda, whose adherents preached doctrines rejected by residents of Woro. The Emir expressed deep gratitude for the state government’s swift intervention.
“We, the people of Kaiama, are deeply moved by Your Excellency’s presence to commiserate with us, especially considering that you just returned from a trip. What happened in Woro was very unfortunate, and we lost many lives,” the Emir said. “We appreciate Your Excellency and the security team for this visit. It has reassured us that we are not alone and that we are part of the larger system.”
The deadly assault in Kaiama underscores escalating security concerns in parts of Kwara State, where communities have increasingly faced attacks by armed groups. While the confirmed death toll stands at 75 according to state sources, other reports suggest that overall casualties from related violence in the region could be higher, as national media and independent sources continue to assess the full scale of the carnage.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s directive to SEMA and the approved deployment of military forces signal an attempt to stabilise the crisis, provide critical support to affected families and reassure residents that government institutions remain engaged in restoring security and solace in the aftermath of one of the most harrowing chapters of violence in the state this year.
