Armed bandits attacked the Woro community in Kwara State, Nigeria, for about 10 hours, from 5 pm to 3 am, before security operatives arrived, resulting in dozens of deaths and destruction of several villages. The village head, Umar Bio Salihu, revealed that the attackers, belonging to the Mamuda terrorist group, targeted the community due to their rejection of the group’s ideology.
Details of the Attack
The bandits, estimated to be around 200, stormed the village, shooting sporadically and setting homes and shops ablaze, including Salihu’s own house. At least 75 people have been buried, with the death toll expected to rise as bodies are still being recovered from the bush. The victims were mostly Muslims, with some Christians also killed.
Security Response
Salihu expressed concerns that sensitive information may have been compromised, as a threat letter was sent to security agencies prior to the attack. The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, visited the affected communities and ordered the deployment of security personnel. President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate deployment of an Army battalion to the area under a new counter-offensive operation.
Context and Concerns
The attack is part of a wave of violence across north-central and north-west Nigeria, with hundreds killed or abducted in recent weeks. The Federal Government’s security strategy is under pressure, with concerns about the effectiveness of military operations in combating bandits and extremist groups.
