Southern Governors’ Forum Expresses Sympathy Over Kwara Terror Attack

The Southern Governors’ Forum has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Kwara State government and its citizens in the wake of a brutal terrorist attack that left at least 162 individuals dead in the villages of Woro and Nuku.

In a statement released from Abeokuta, the Chairperson of the forum and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, expressed profound sadness regarding the tragedy, labeling it both tragic and unfortunate. He noted the loss of innocent lives as these victims were engaged in their daily routines.

Governor Abiodun criticized the targeting of inhabitants who reportedly did not embrace Sharia law, highlighting that the attackers also burnt homes and shops and kidnapped numerous residents. These assailants are believed to have affiliations with Boko Haram. He condemned the heinous act as exceptionally dreadful, reiterating that Nigeria is a secular nation that upholds religious freedom.

Abiodun urged law enforcement agencies to pursue the culprits and ensure their prosecution to the maximum extent allowed by law, asserting that citizens should not have to live in fear of unwarranted violence. He articulated:

"On behalf of myself and my colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, I express our deepest condolences regarding the heinous terror attack in Kwara State, where innocent individuals were mercilessly slain.

"This is an act of senseless violence that cannot be tolerated. We call on security authorities to increase their efforts against those responsible and to ensure they face justice. They must be apprehended and dealt with accordingly.

"We stand in solidarity with His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, and the people of Kwara State during this time of mourning. We hope justice prevails, and that security agencies exert every effort to end the slaughter of innocent lives."