ILORIN — Soldiers and Forest Guards have taken control of Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly bandit attack on Tuesday evening that reportedly left no fewer than 40 residents dead.
A local government official, who spoke to journalists on Wednesday morning on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deployment of security personnel and the rising death toll.
“The casualties are over forty as we speak. Soldiers and Forest Guards have taken control of the two communities. It is a very sad development, especially at a time when we believed peace was gradually returning after previous attacks,” the source said.
According to information gathered, the attackers were suspected bandits from neighbouring communities in Niger State. They allegedly stormed Woro and Nuku and attempted to compel residents to abandon the Nigerian Constitution and submit to the Qur’an. When some residents resisted, the assailants reportedly became enraged and opened fire on the gathering.
Witnesses said the gunmen shot indiscriminately, killing dozens of people on the spot, while several houses were set ablaze during the attack.
“They opened fire on the congregation in anger. Over forty people were killed, and only a few managed to escape. Preparations for mass burial are currently underway,” the source added.
Reacting to the incident, the Kwara State Government confirmed the attack in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack, describing it as “a cowardly act and an expression of frustration by terrorist elements following sustained counterterrorism operations across the state.”
The statement noted that the attack appeared to be an attempt to distract security agencies, who have recently recorded successes in dismantling terrorist and kidnapping gangs operating in parts of Kwara State.
The governor expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that security operations would not be slowed down.
Security forces remain on high alert in the affected communities as investigations continue and additional measures are being put in place to prevent further attacks.
40 Feared Dead as Soldiers, Forest Guards Take Over Kwara Communities After Bandit Attack
