Soldiers and Forest Guards have taken over Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly bandit attack on Tuesday evening that left at least 40 residents dead.
A local government source, who spoke to journalists on Wednesday morning on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deployment of security forces and the rising casualty figure.
“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 at a time we thought peace was returning after previous attacks,” the source said.
Salient Times gathered that the attack was carried out by bandits from neighbouring Niger State villages, who reportedly attempted to force residents in Woro and Nuku to abandon the Nigerian Constitution in favor of the Qur’an.
Some residents resisted, angering the assailants, who then opened fire indiscriminately on the congregation. Several houses were also reportedly burnt during the assault.
“The angry bandits opened fire indiscriminately on the congregation. No fewer than forty residents were killed, and only a few managed to escape. Preparations for mass burials are underway,” the source added.
In response, the Kwara State Government confirmed the attack in a statement signed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
The governor condemned the assault as “a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells following ongoing counterterrorism campaigns in parts of the state.”
The statement added that the attack appeared aimed at distracting security forces, who have recently dismantled several terrorist and kidnapping gangs across the state.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that counterterrorism operations would continue.
Security personnel remain on high alert in the affected communities as investigations continue and measures are taken to prevent further attacks.
