Tragedy struck in Kwara State on Tuesday as at least 162 people were killed in a brutal assault on Woro village, Kaiama Local Government Area — the deadliest attack in the state this year.
Authorities confirmed the death toll on Wednesday, with Red Cross officials and local leaders recounting scenes of mass executions, arson, and displacement.
According to Babaomo Ayodeji, Secretary of the Kwara State Red Cross, 162 deaths had been verified by Wednesday afternoon, though local sources said the figure could reach 170.
A community leader, Sa’idu Ahmed, told Reuters that the attackers rounded up villagers, tied their hands, and executed them before setting homes and shops ablaze. “I am in the village along with military personnel, sorting dead bodies and searching nearby areas,” he said.
Many residents fled into surrounding forests with gunshot wounds, while others — including the village’s traditional ruler — remained missing. Survivors alleged that the assailants were jihadist militants who had previously preached in the area, demanding loyalty to Sharia law. When villagers resisted, the attackers opened fire.
Mass Burial for Victims
At least 75 victims were laid to rest in a mass burial on Wednesday at Woro.
An official who witnessed the ceremony said, “Although the death toll may exceed 150, 75 victims were buried this afternoon.” The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Danladi, led an official delegation to the burial site.
Survivors Recount Horror
The village head, Umar Tanko, said he lost several family members.
“I was away at my shop when the bandits arrived. My daughter and two sons were shot dead, while my second wife and two others were abducted,” he said.
Another survivor, Razaq Abdulazeez, said he narrowly escaped.
“I saw people fleeing. I rushed home, gathered my family, and we ran into the bush. Some residents hid in trees to survive.”
Among the dead was Salihu Bio Khalid, a student of the Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences and former Student Union President, who was killed alongside his brother.
The National Association of Nigeria Comrades (NANC), Kwara Axis, described the massacre as “devastating,” urging a thorough investigation and improved security across rural communities.
Government, Political Reactions
The Kwara State Government confirmed the attack through Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, who condemned the killings as a cowardly act driven by frustrated terrorist groups facing military pressure.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, and Senator Saliu Mustapha also called for intensified military operations and humanitarian support for displaced families.
The PDP in Kwara State decried the incident, urging the government to provide relief materials and ensure the perpetrators face justice.
Tinubu Orders Troop Deployment
In response, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate deployment of troops to Kwara to quell the escalating violence. Details of the directive were still emerging at press time.
17 Killed in Benue Market Attack
In a separate incident, 17 people, including a Mobile Police officer, were killed on Tuesday when suspected armed herdsmen attacked Abande Market in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
Witnesses said the assailants stormed the busy market, shooting indiscriminately, looting shops, and setting parts of the market ablaze.
A community leader, Lawrence Akerigba, confirmed the assault:
“It was market day. People were buying and selling when the herders attacked. They looted shops, took away millions of naira, and set the market on fire.”
He added that dozens of residents had fled their homes, lamenting that “since the beginning of the year, over 76 people, including security officers, have been killed in Turan District.”
Police, Governor React
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident but reported five deaths, including a police officer.
Spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said, “During the confrontation, one Assistant Superintendent of Police was fatally injured. Additional security teams have been deployed to restore order.”
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack as “a cowardly act of terror,” pledging that security agencies had been directed to hunt down the perpetrators and restore calm.
The Benue PDP described the killings as “gruesome and barbaric,” accusing armed herders of targeting innocent civilians and calling for decisive federal intervention.
Meanwhile, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, linked the renewed violence to illegal mining activities in the region.
“Kwande has become a hub for illegal mining of gold, lithium, and iron ore. If not urgently addressed, the border areas of Benue, Taraba, and Cameroon could become a major security flashpoint,” he warned.
