Fresh details have emerged on the attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected terrorists killed dozens of residents on Tuesday evening.
A younger brother of the traditional ruler of Woro, Ali Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday that the attackers invaded the community shortly after 5 p.m., arriving on motorcycles and surrounding the settlement before opening fire.
“They came around 5 p.m. and completely surrounded the community. They started shooting from different directions so nobody could escape,” Umar said.
According to him, residents who attempted to flee were shot, while others who surrendered were reportedly gathered at the palace of the village head and killed.
Umar added that members of the traditional ruler’s household were also affected, with his wife, mother and three children missing after the attack.
“The chief’s wife, his mother and three of his children are missing. That makes five people from his household unaccounted for,” he said.
He explained that the community has since been thrown into panic, with many residents fleeing to neighbouring towns for safety.
“The people are 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 noted that there had been intelligence reports warning of a possible attack prior to the incident, which were reportedly communicated to relevant authorities. He added that soldiers had earlier patrolled the area on the day of the attack, initially deterring the assailants before they later returned.
Similar killings were also reported in nearby Nuku community within the same local government area.
Reacting to the development, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, condemned the attacks and called for intensified military operations in the axis bordering Niger State to flush out criminal elements.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulkadir Shehu, the Speaker commiserated with the Emir of Kaiama, Muazu Omar, and families of the victims.
“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,” he said.
Danladi-Salihu urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, warning that as pressure increases on criminal elements, they may attempt to move into new areas.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Assembly to support measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.
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