More than 100 people are feared to have been killed in coordinated attacks on communities in Kwara and Benue states, triggering public outrage and renewed pressure on the Federal Government over worsening insecurity.
The deadliest incident occurred on Tuesday night in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, where suspected Islamic extremists launched a violent assault on residents. Several others were also reported killed the same night when armed bandits attacked Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, later confirmed that at least 75 people lost their lives in the Kaiama attacks. Speaking to residents at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama on Wednesday night, the governor described the victims as local Muslims who were targeted for refusing to submit to extremists promoting what he called a “strange doctrine.”
According to the governor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to the affected area as part of a counter-offensive operation code-named Operation Savannah Shield.
Security sources believe the attack was carried out by Lakurawa, an armed group linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province, raising concerns about the growing presence of extremist cells in Nigeria’s border communities.
The member representing the area in the House of Representatives, Mohammed Bio, also confirmed the attack but said casualty figures remained unclear due to conflicting reports from the communities.
“There are varying accounts,” Bio said. “Some reports mention about 100 deaths, others say more than that, and some put the figure as high as 160. What is clear is that there were mass killings, and the situation is devastating. We are appealing to the Federal Government to urgently intervene to protect lives and property.”
Residents told reporters that the actual death toll might be higher than official figures suggest. According to local sources, dozens of victims were buried in a mass grave in Woro community on Wednesday afternoon.
Witnesses said the attackers had earlier visited border communities in neighbouring Niger State, urging residents to reject Nigeria’s constitution and embrace Islamic law. When the same message was delivered in Woro and Nuku, locals reportedly challenged the group, prompting the attackers to open fire indiscriminately.
Another resident disclosed that the militants had earlier attempted to preach in Baburasa community in the Borgu axis but were turned away by the village head.
Security analysts say the attackers are believed to be operating from forest areas around the Borgu corridor, warning that extremist groups may be expanding sleeper operations in remote border regions.
