The United Nations, the United States, and Türkiye have strongly condemned the deadly attack in Kwara State, describing the killings that claimed about 75 lives and left many others injured as “heinous”.
In separate reactions, the international bodies and governments expressed deep concern over the scale of the violence and extended condolences to Nigeria.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a post on X, denounced the assault and sympathised with those affected. He wrote, “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 3 February in Kwara State, Nigeria.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims & to the people & government of Nigeria. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The United States Mission in Nigeria also issued a statement condemning what it described as a horrific attack. It noted that while some reports put the death toll much higher, many victims were still unaccounted for.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence. We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice.”
Türkiye, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said it was “deeply saddened” by the development and reiterated its support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
“We strongly condemn this heinous attack and extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria. Türkiye will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism,” the ministry said in a statement published on its website.
Gunmen had attacked Woro and the neighbouring Nuku communities on Tuesday, killing at least 75 residents, setting shops and the residence of a traditional ruler on fire, and forcing many people to flee into nearby bushes. While official figures confirmed 75 deaths, some accounts have suggested that the casualty number could be higher.
In response to the violence, the Inspector-General of Police ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational, and intelligence assets to Kaiama Local Government Area. The Nigeria Police Force condemned the attack as tragic and confirmed that a manhunt is underway to apprehend those behind the killings.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who visited the affected areas, described the incident as a “pure massacre” and confirmed that at least 75 victims had already been buried.
President Bola Tinubu has also directed the deployment of an army battalion to reinforce security in the state under Operation Savannah Shield, as part of efforts to stabilise the area and prevent further attacks.
Several political groups, including a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Northern States Governors’ Forum, have equally denounced the killings, describing them as barbaric and a reflection of the deepening security challenges facing the region.
What you should know
The Kwara attack has drawn international condemnation, with the UN, United States and Türkiye publicly reacting to the killings.
The assault on Woro and Nuku communities left at least 75 people dead, though some reports indicate higher casualties. Nigerian authorities have responded by deploying police and military forces, launching manhunts for the perpetrators and initiating relief efforts for victims.
The incident has reignited debates around worsening insecurity in parts of Nigeria and the need for sustained security interventions.
