There are conflicting reports about the killings. Some of the reports say about 100 people were killed, others say 100 plus, and others say about 160. We don’t have the correct report.
“These are reports coming from the communities, but we don’t have the exact figures. There are killings, but no one can ascertain the correct number. We are calling on the Federal Government to step in and assist us in protecting lives and property. The situation is quite devastating.”
There are conflicting reports about the killings. Some of the reports say about 100 people were killed, others say 100 plus, and others say about 160. We don’t have the correct report.
“These are reports coming from the communities, but we don’t have the exact figures. There are killings, but no one can ascertain the correct number. We are calling on the Federal Government to step in and assist us in protecting lives and property. The situation is quite devastating.”
Sources within the communities told The PUNCH that the death toll might be higher than officially acknowledged, with about 70 persons reportedly buried in a mass grave at Woro community on Wednesday afternoon.
Residents said the attackers had earlier moved around border villages in neighbouring Niger State, preaching that locals should abandon Nigeria’s constitution and embrace Islamic law.
One source said, “When they brought the same message to Woro and Nuku, some people challenged them. That angered the bandits, and they opened fire on the gathering, shooting indiscriminately.”
Another resident revealed that the group had earlier attempted to preach in the Baburasa community in Borgu area, but were rejected by the village head.
Some reports suggested the attackers operated from forests around the Borgu axis, with security analysts linking them to extremist elements suspected to be expanding sleeper operations in border communities.
Sources within the communities told The PUNCH that the death toll might be higher than officially acknowledged, with about 70 persons reportedly buried in a mass grave at Woro community on Wednesday afternoon.
Residents said the attackers had earlier moved around border villages in neighbouring Niger State, preaching that locals should abandon Nigeria’s constitution and embrace Islamic law.
One source said, “When they brought the same message to Woro and Nuku, some people challenged them. That angered the bandits, and they opened fire on the gathering, shooting indiscriminately.”
Another resident revealed that the group had earlier attempted to preach in the Baburasa community in Borgu area, but were rejected by the village head.
Some reports suggested the attackers operated from forests around the Borgu axis, with security analysts linking them to extremist elements suspected to be expanding sleeper operations in border communities. Meanwhile, survivors narrated their heartbreaking experiences. The head of Woro village, Alhaji Umar Tanko, told the Kaiama council chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Danladi, that he lost his daughter and two sons, while his junior wife and two others were abducted.
“I was in my shop when they arrived. They shot my children and took my second wife away,” he said.
Another resident, Razaq Abdulazeez, said he narrowly escaped with his family after seeing people running towards the outskirts of town.
“Those who couldn’t run climbed trees to avoid the attackers,” he added.
Reacting to the incident, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, called for intensified military action along the Niger border axis.
“I am calling for an escalation of operations to flush out these criminals. Communities must also cooperate fully with security agencies,” he said, while condoling the Emir of Kaiama and the families of the victims.
Also, the Senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, urged the deployment of more troops in the affected areas, describing the attack as a tragic reminder of the need for stronger vigilance and community cooperation. The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party also condemned the attack, calling it “despicable and inhuman,” and warned that insecurity in the state required more than sympathy messages.
“This incident shows that Kwara is far from overcoming banditry. What is needed is decisive and people-oriented leadership,” the party said in a statement.
The latest assault comes amid growing concerns over the spread of banditry and extremist violence across parts of north-central Nigeria, with rural communities increasingly becoming targets despite ongoing security operations.
Meanwhile, findings indicate that about 271 people have been killed, while 253 others were abducted in a series of terrorist attacks in the past four weeks across several states.
The attacks occurred in communities in Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
No fewer than 177 church worshippers were abducted in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State earlier in the month.
Other affected areas include Kasuwan Daji Market in Niger State, where at least 60 people were killed; Damala village, where four residents were killed; and Doma community in Katsina State, where 20 people lost their lives. The army commander assured residents that security agencies would work to recover the severed heads of the victims beheaded during the attack on Okporojo village, describing the act as inhuman and deeply troubling.
“It is painful that people of the same ancestry could treat one another this way. Issues like ancestral land disputes and chieftaincy struggles often underlie such violence,” he noted.
Chielo said sustained security efforts had helped keep Ebonyi relatively peaceful, describing the state as currently the most peaceful in the South-East.
He also defended the decision of the State Security Council, approved by the Ebonyi State Government, saying it was necessary to prevent reprisals and restore calm.
“If people decide to retaliate, no one would blame them. That is what we are trying to prevent,” he said.
The officer further warned about the growing movement of small arms across states, calling it a major security threat.
“People may look like they are going to the farm, but they are transporting weapons. Security should not be left to government alone,” he added.
The guardian
