The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed a brutal attack that occurred in the Woro and Nuku communities within the Kaiama Local Government Area on Tuesday, February 3, which resulted in 75 fatalities.
Terrorists launched their assault on the villages around 6 PM, inflicting significant damage, including the torching of the King's palace.
During a visit to the Emir of Kaiama on January 4, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed that the residents were killed for standing firm against extremists. He noted that the community had shown resilience against a distorted interpretation of Islamic doctrine.
“I extend my condolences in light of the deaths of 75 of your people. Your emirate is known for its adherence to authentic Islamic precepts. It appears this village refused to accept any distortion of the Hadith and maintained their devotion to God. As a result of their refusal to alter their faith, they were attacked and massacred. This incident differs from the typical kidnappings for ransom we've seen in the past; it was a straightforward massacre that demands our condemnation,” he stated during his address.
Additionally, Farooq Kperogi, a Nigerian journalism professor based in the US, revealed that the villagers believe the assailants targeted them after the community leader alerted security forces about a threatening letter they received from the terrorists, who intended to evangelize in the area. The village head, feeling uneasy about the message, promptly informed security officials. However, those involved in the attack seemingly learned of this warning and retaliated with violence.
“I am using every ounce of strength I have left to type this account. A rural community in Kwara State’s Kaiama Local Government is suffering from an unspeakably violent terrorist attack that has already claimed the lives of at least 170 people and continues to rise.
Witnesses noted that the violence erupted the evening before and persisted into the early morning.
The massacre was triggered by the district head, identified as Alhaji Salihu Umar, who reported to authorities about a letter received from terrorists announcing their intention to come preaching in the village. Concerned about the intentions of these groups, the village head did what any law-abiding citizen would — inform the authorities.
It seems there may have been informants in the security forces that were alerted, as the terrorists retaliated furiously due to the village head's actions. This is not the first instance of such terror from these attackers.
The assailants not only caused fatalities but also set homes ablaze and abducted residents, utilizing the personal vehicle of the village head, who remains missing at this time.
The disturbing images of slaughtered and mutilated bodies shared by my community members have left me traumatized and will likely haunt me in the days to come,” he lamented.
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