Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday arrived in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, to commiserate with the state government and residents over the deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The vice president’s aircraft touched down at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport at about 10:30 a.m.
He was accompanied by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Senator Ali Ndume, and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
Shettima was received at the airport by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Salihu; and the senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Umar.
Also present were the member representing Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mukhtar Sagaya; security chiefs; members of the state legislative and executive councils; and several local government chairmen.
Others in attendance included the Kwara State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Sunday Fagbemi, alongside other party executives.
Gunmen had killed dozens of residents, razed shops and the residence of a traditional ruler, while wounded villagers reportedly fled into surrounding bushes following the late Tuesday assault.
The attack was reportedly triggered by the refusal of villagers to submit to indoctrination by an extremist group known as Mahmuda, which allegedly led to indiscriminate gunfire. Two vehicles belonging to the village head were said to have been used by the attackers to transport abducted villagers.
The assault on Woro village followed recent military operations in the area targeting what authorities described as “terrorist elements”.
Last month, the military announced that it had launched “sustained coordinated offensive operations against terrorist elements” in Kwara State.
“Troops also stormed remote camps hitherto inaccessible to security forces where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists,” the military said in a statement issued on January 30.
In response to the renewed security challenges, the Kwara State Government imposed curfews in some areas and shut down schools for several weeks before directing that they reopen on Monday.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier visited the affected community, describing the incident as genocide and vowing that the attackers and other criminal elements operating across the Kwara and Niger State borders would be flushed out within a month.
What you should know
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Ilorin followed a deadly attack on Woro community in Kwara State, where gunmen killed residents, destroyed property, and abducted villagers.
The assault has been linked to extremist elements operating in the region, despite recent military operations aimed at dismantling their camps. The Kwara State Government has responded with curfews, temporary school closures, and renewed security measures.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has pledged decisive action, promising to eliminate the attackers and restore safety to affected border communities.
