Kwara Community Attacked as Bandits Kill Villagers and Ignite Palace Fire

Around 10 people are feared dead following a brutal attack by armed bandits who invaded the Woro community in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday evening.

The assault began at approximately 6:00 PM, with reports indicating that around 200 gunmen raided the village, firing shots into the air haphazardly.

A local resident, Mr. Ahmed Yinusa, reported that the bandits were active for over an hour before military personnel could be dispatched to the scene.

However, he mentioned that the journey from Kaiama to Woro spans over 50 kilometers, and the poor condition of the roads significantly delayed the military’s arrival.

Yinusa further stated, "The terrorists numbered around 200 and they killed several individuals during the attack. Reports suggest that approximately 10 people have lost their lives, and numerous homes have been torched."

Another local, Mallam Idris Mohammed, noted that around six bodies were currently in front of the Emir of Woro's palace, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, which had also been set ablaze by the attackers.

At the time of this report, it remained unclear whether the Emir was present during the assault.

Kwara State Assembly representative Hon Halidu Danbaba confirmed the disturbing news during a telephone call, urging both the state and federal authorities to extend military operations in the southern regions of Kwara, especially considering schools' recent reopening in those areas.

In a statement released late Tuesday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the victims' families. He described the attack as a cowardly act of frustration by terrorist groups reacting to ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the state.

The governor stated, "This reprehensible act serves as a distraction targeted at security forces who have effectively dismantled numerous kidnappers and terrorist groups within the state."

He conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the affected communities, as relayed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.