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By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
ABUJA — The Federal Government is facing renewed public outrage following a deadly attack on communities in Kwara and Benue states, with over 100 people feared killed in coordinated assaults by suspected Islamic militants and bandits.
In Kwara State, gunmen attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area late Tuesday night, sparking one of the deadliest incidents recorded in the state in recent years. Several others were also killed in a separate bandit attack on Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
Governor Confirms 75 Deaths, FG Deploys Troops
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed the death of 75 persons, though residents insist the toll is far higher.
Addressing residents on Wednesday night at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama, the governor said the victims were:
“Local Muslims massacred for refusing to surrender to extremists preaching a strange doctrine.”
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of an Army battalion to the area as part of a counter-offensive operation codenamed Operation Savannah Shield.
Security sources believe the attack was carried out by Lakurawa, an armed group linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) — a development that has intensified scrutiny of the Federal Government’s security strategy.
Lawmaker, Residents Give Conflicting Casualty Figures
The lawmaker representing the area in the House of Representatives, Mohammed Bio, confirmed the attack but said casualty figures remained unclear.
“There are conflicting reports — some say 100, others say over 160. We don’t yet have verified figures. What we know is that there were killings, and the situation is devastating,” he said.
Community sources told The PUNCH that the death toll may exceed official figures, claiming about 70 victims were buried in a mass grave in Woro community on Wednesday afternoon.
Attack Triggered by Rejection of Extremist Ideology
Residents said the attackers had earlier moved through border communities in Niger State, preaching against Nigeria’s constitution and urging locals to embrace strict Islamic law.
One resident said:
“When they brought the same message to Woro and Nuku, people challenged them. That angered the gunmen, and they opened fire indiscriminately.”
Another source revealed the group was earlier rejected in Baburasa community in the Borgu axis.
Security analysts say the attackers likely operated from forests around Borgu, pointing to an expansion of extremist sleeper cells along Nigeria’s border communities.
Survivors Recount Horror
Survivors narrated harrowing experiences of the assault.
The village head of Woro, Alhaji Umar Tanko, told Kaiama council chairman Alhaji Abubakar Danladi that he lost two sons and a daughter, while his junior wife and two others were abducted.
“I was in my shop when they arrived. They shot my children and took my second wife away,” he said.
Another resident, Razaq Abdulazeez, said many residents escaped by fleeing or climbing trees.
“Those who couldn’t run climbed trees to avoid the attackers,” he said.
Lawmakers, Parties Demand Stronger Action
The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, called for intensified military operations along the Niger border.
Similarly, Senator Saliu Mustapha urged the deployment of more troops, describing the attack as a wake-up call for stronger vigilance and community cooperation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara condemned the attack as “despicable and inhuman,” insisting that sympathy messages alone were insufficient.
“Kwara is far from overcoming banditry. What is needed is decisive and people-oriented leadership,” the party said.
Rising Death Toll Nationwide
The Kwara massacre comes amid escalating violence across North-Central and North-West Nigeria.
Findings show that about 271 people have been killed and 253 abducted in terrorist attacks across Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states within the past four weeks.
Notable incidents include:
- 177 church worshippers abducted in Kajuru LGA, Kaduna
- 60 people killed at Kasuwan Daji Market, Niger State
- 20 deaths in Doma community, Katsina State
Saraki Calls Incident a National Emergency
Former Senate President and ex-Kwara Governor, Bukola Saraki, described the killings as a national disaster, calling for direct federal intervention.
“What is happening has gone beyond the capacity of the state government. This is a national emergency,” he wrote on Facebook.
Saraki urged President Tinubu to deploy troops from the Second Mechanised Infantry Division and establish permanent security bases in affected areas.
“Kwara is too strategic to allow insurgency to gain ground,” he warned.
Opposition Reacts
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also condemned the killings, urging an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“We are deeply disappointed in the government’s inability to safeguard lives and property,” said NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson, calling for improved intelligence, drone surveillance and regional cooperation.
Soldiers, Forest Guards Take Over Communities
Military personnel and Forest Guards have since taken control of Woro and Nuku communities.
The Kwara State Government confirmed the attack in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, noting that security forces had intensified counter-terrorism operations across forested areas.
Benue Attack: Market Day Bloodshed
In Benue State, suspected bandits attacked Abande community during a market day, killing several people, including a mobile police officer.
Casualty figures remain disputed:
- Former councillor Akerigbe Lawrence claimed 17 deaths
- The Ter Kwande, HRM Timothy Ayile, confirmed seven deaths
- Police confirmed five fatalities, including an officer
The Benue State Police said an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force was fatally injured during the response.
