Survivor of Kwara Attack: Uncertainty Over Wife and Six Children

Danjuma Bagu, one of the survivors from the recent tragic attack on the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, has revealed his anguish over the fate of his wife and six children. Days have passed since terrorists invaded the community, and he remains without news of their well- being.

The assault took place last Tuesday, and as of Sunday, local leaders confirmed that the death toll has now reached 150, with efforts to locate survivors and recover bodies ongoing.

Among the deceased are 113 Muslims, 21 Christians, eight Togolese nationals, and eight Hausa individuals, according to community sources.

Bagu, who is currently being treated for a gunshot wound at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), recounted his harrowing escape during the attack but has been unable to contact his family since then. "As I speak with you now, I don’t know if my wife and six children are alive. I have not heard from them since Tuesday, after the incident. I also lost my phone,” he stated fervently.

Hailing from Jos but in Woro for agricultural purposes, he described how approximately 200 armed individuals on motorcycles attacked the community, firing indiscriminately at residents. Bagu has called on the government to provide assistance to the victims, lamenting their complete loss.

Mr. Joshua Dame, another survivor and a farmer from Plateau State, also shared his narrow escape while receiving treatment at KWASUTH. He recounted how he was returning from his farm when he encountered the attackers.

“I was in the farm around 10 in the morning. Later, around 3 PM, I needed to buy detergent for the farm. My friend and I were on our way when we saw a large group of heavily armed men in military-style attire, approaching on motorcycles,” Dame explained.

The gunmen opened fire almost immediately. "They shot my friend and killed him instantly. A bullet entered my stomach, exited through my right side, and broke my right hand," he said, recounting the traumatic experience.

To survive, he played dead as they shot at him. "I heard one of the attackers mention that it looked like I wasn’t dead and they should shoot me again, but they eventually left with my motorcycle and headed into the town, destroying everything in sight," he recounted.

Injured severely, Dame managed to crawl into the forest and remained hidden until soldiers rescued him the next morning. "I lay for about eight hours in my blood, trying to suppress my noises despite the pain, as I had no idea if they were still around," he added, expressing disbelief at his survival.

Local community leaders noted on Sunday that casualty figures have risen to 150. Alhaji Salihu Bio Umar, the village head of Woro, confirmed he too has not heard from his wife and children, who are among those missing since the attack. He lamented the lack of communication and aid, stating, "Nobody has called us to ask for anything so far."

Reports indicate that out of the casualties, 37 Muslim victims were buried on Thursday, in addition to 75 previously interred, and one more body was found on Saturday. Furthermore, a total of 21 Christian corpses, eight Togolese nationals, and eight Hausas were also reported among the deceased.

Over 100 individuals are still unaccounted for, with fears they may have been kidnapped during the assault. The Emir has tasked local leaders to compile names of the victims, with ongoing search operations being hindered by the fear and uncertainty gripping the community.

Additionally, Dr. Abdul Woro noted that three more bodies were discovered on Friday during searches, including two in a burnt house and one in the forest.

The stench of decomposing bodies is reported from the area, with community members continuing to search, although it remains largely deserted despite a presence of security operatives. Following the latest discovery, the death toll related to the Woro attack has officially risen to 150.

Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar of the Kwara North Senatorial District has visited the survivors at KWASUTH to offer support and check on their recovery.