From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has ordered immediate humanitarian intervention for families affected by the deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, following his late-night visit to the troubled axis.
The Governor gave the directive after personally assessing the situation in Woro, where scores of residents were killed in Tuesday night’s attack. He also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and sympathised with the people of the emirate over the tragedy.
AbdulRazaq, who arrived Kaiama on Wednesday night alongside the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, top security commanders and senior government officials, was received by the Emir, the Head of Woro, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, and other traditional chiefs.
Briefing journalists after meetings with security agencies and community leaders, the Governor confirmed that no fewer than 75 people lost their lives, with several homes and properties destroyed.
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“We are deeply saddened by what happened here. We are here to commiserate with His Royal Highness and the people of Kaiama Emirate over the loss of 75 lives. May Allah grant the departed Al-jannah Firdaus,” AbdulRazaq said.
He described the incident as a massacre, noting that the victims were attacked for refusing to accept a strange religious ideology being propagated by the assailants.
“This is not the usual case of kidnapping for ransom. From all accounts, these people were murdered because they rejected a strange doctrine. It is a very disturbing development, and we share in your pain,” the Governor added.
AbdulRazaq announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the immediate deployment of a battalion of soldiers to the area under Operation Savannah Shield to restore security and prevent further attacks.
“We thank Mr President for his swift response. Soldiers have been deployed, and within the next one month, this entire axis will be flooded with security personnel. I am confident that we will see positive results,” he said.
He further directed the State Emergency Management Agency to begin enumeration of affected families with a view to providing urgent relief and support.
“At the moment, emergency officials will move in to assess the situation properly and determine how best the government can support the families who have been affected by this unfortunate incident,” AbdulRazaq stated.
The Governor also commended security agencies for their efforts across the state, noting that recent security challenges in parts of Kwara South have largely been brought under control.
“This particular challenge goes beyond Kwara alone, extending to areas around Kainji Park in Niger State. But I assure you that we will confront it decisively,” he said.
Earlier, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, told the Governor that the attackers were followers of a group led by one Mahmuda, whose members impose extremist beliefs and attack those who refuse to align with them.
He thanked the Governor for the prompt visit and the show of solidarity with the people.
“Your Excellency, we are deeply moved by your presence here, especially considering that you just returned from a trip. What happened in Woro is very painful. We lost many of our people, and we pray Allah grants them eternal rest.
“This visit has reassured us that we are not alone and that we are fully part of the system. We appreciate the efforts of the state government and the security agencies.”
The Governor later met with local leaders and security officials before leaving the area in the early hours of Thursday.
