Fresh information has surfaced regarding Tuesday’s violent attack on Worro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, allegedly carried out by suspected terrorists.
A younger brother of the traditional ruler of Worro, Mr. Ali Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday that the assailants struck shortly after 5:00 p.m., launching a coordinated assault on the community.
According to Umar, the attackers rode into the area on motorcycles, strategically encircling the community before opening fire from multiple directions.
“They came around 5:00 p.m. and completely surrounded the community.
”They started shooting sporadically from all angles so nobody could escape,” he said.
He explained that the attackers shot residents who attempted to flee, while those who surrendered were rounded up and taken to the palace of the village head, where they were restrained and shot.
Umar disclosed that members of the traditional ruler’s immediate family were among those abducted during the invasion. He said the wife of the monarch, Hauwa Umar, his mother, and three of his children were taken away by the attackers.
“The chief’s wife, his mother and three of his children are missing.
”That makes five people from his household unaccounted for,” he added.
He said the assault triggered widespread panic, forcing many residents to abandon their homes, leaving the community almost deserted.
“The people were scared, and the community is now nearly empty.
”What we need now is increased security presence to restore confidence and allow people to return,” he said.
Umar further revealed that there had been prior intelligence warning of a possible attack, which was reportedly passed to the local government authorities and escalated to higher levels of government.
He added that soldiers had earlier conducted patrols in the area on the same day, a move that initially discouraged the attackers before they eventually returned to strike.
NAN also reported that the attack extended to the Nuku community within the same local government area, where several residents were killed.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited Kaiama on Wednesday night alongside service chiefs and cabinet members, confirmed that 75 local Muslims were killed during the attack for refusing to submit to extremists promoting an unfamiliar doctrine.
The governor said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to carry out counter-offensive operations in the affected area.
He announced that the security operation had been named ‘Operation Savannah Shield’.
“The injured were later taken to the General Hospital, but some were referred to the Teaching Hospital,” he added.
Condemning the violence, AbdulRazaq described the incident as a cowardly act borne out of frustration by terrorist groups in response to ongoing counterterrorism efforts and the gains recorded so far in parts of the state.
He extended his condolences to the Worro and Nuku communities, particularly to families who lost loved ones in Tuesday’s attack.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, also denounced the killings in Worro and Nuku.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdukadir Shehu, the speaker called for an immediate intensification of military operations along the border axis between Kwara and Niger State to dislodge criminal elements.
Danladi-Salihu condemned the attack in strong terms and expressed sympathy to the Emir of Kaiama, Dr. Muazu Omar, as well as the affected families.
“I commiserate with the Emir of Kaiama and the families of the victims of this horrific attack.
“I am calling for intensified military action against the perpetrators, and I urge our communities to cooperate fully with security agencies to bring an end to these killings once and for all,” he said.
He cautioned residents to remain alert and vigilant, noting that increased military pressure in other parts of the state could force destabilising elements to seek refuge in new locations.
The speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State House of Assembly to supporting all necessary actions aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.
What you should know
The attack on Worro and Nuku communities highlights the growing security challenges in parts of Kwara State, particularly areas bordering Niger State.
The incident, which claimed dozens of lives and led to abductions, underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorist and extremist groups exploiting rural communities. The deployment of an army battalion under ‘Operation Savannah Shield’ signals renewed federal and state efforts to confront insecurity.
Authorities are urging community cooperation as military operations intensify, while residents remain displaced and traumatised by the violence.
