Troops of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Forest Guards have taken control of Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly bandit attack that claimed no fewer than 40 lives.
A local government source, who spoke to journalists on Wednesday on condition of anonymity, said the security deployment followed the Tuesday evening assault, describing the incident as a major setback to recent peace efforts in the area.
“The death toll has risen beyond 40. Soldiers and Forest Guards are now in full control of Woro and Nuku. It is heartbreaking, especially when we believed the situation was gradually improving after earlier attacks,” the source said.
Findings indicated that the attackers, suspected to have come from neighbouring communities in Niger State, stormed the two villages and unleashed violence after residents resisted attempts to impose foreign rules on them.
The source added that the assailants opened fire on worshippers and residents, killing dozens on the spot, while several houses were set ablaze, forcing survivors to flee for safety.
“Many people were gunned down, with only a few managing to escape. Arrangements are already being made for mass burials,” the source disclosed.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Government, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act” by terrorist elements.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the assault appeared to be a desperate attempt to divert attention from ongoing security operations that have led to the dismantling of several terrorist and kidnapping gangs across the state.
He commiserated with the families of the victims and assured residents that security agencies would sustain counterterrorism operations to restore lasting peace to the affected communities.