The Christian Association of Nigeria, Ganawuri district, alongside the Aten Development Association, have honoured more than 30 members of the Aten ethnic group who lost their lives in the recent Woro Massacre in Kwara State.
The memorial ceremony was held on Friday at EKAN Primary School in Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. Many of the victims of the February 3, 2026 attack in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, were sons and daughters of the Aten community.
Speaking during the ceremony, a former President of the Aten Youth Movement expressed deep sorrow over the killings.
“We received the news of the brutal attack on our people in Woro, Kwara State, with sadness,” he said. “The Woro Massacre is a painful reminder of the senseless violence and bloodshed that have plagued our community for far too long. As a community, we must come together to support one another and demand justice for the victims.”
In her condolence message, Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, described the tragedy as a grievous loss not only to the Aten people of Ganawuri but also to Riyom Local Government and Plateau State as a whole.
“It is with deep sadness that I convey my condolences to the Aten people over the tragic loss of lives, displacement, and suffering arising from the unfortunate killings in Woro,” she said. “The Plateau State Government stands in solidarity with the Aten community during this moment of pain and mourning. We share in your grief and assure you of our moral support.”
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Also addressing the gathering, the Executive Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council, Hon. Bature Sati Shuwa, described the killings as “gruesome” and “heartbreaking.” He stressed that the loss extended beyond Ganawuri District to the entire Riyom LGA and Plateau State.
Shuwa recalled his administration’s earlier efforts to repatriate over 1,200 displaced Aten indigenes from Woro back to their ancestral homes in Ganawuri. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring their safety, welfare, and peaceful coexistence.
“We share in your grief. The loss is enormous, but we must not allow darkness to overcome our unity and resilience,” he said.
He further urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the killings and ensure justice is served, while praying for lasting peace in the affected communities.
