Over 100 people were feared dead on Tuesday night after suspected Islamic militants attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The same day, another deadly assault was recorded in Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, where bandits attacked a market and killed several residents, including a police officer.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, later confirmed that 75 people were killed in the Kwara attack.
Speaking on Wednesday night at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama, the governor described the victims as “local Muslims massacred for refusing to surrender to extremists preaching a strange doctrine.”
He added that President Bola Tinubu had approved the deployment of an Army battalion to the area under a counter-offensive operation tagged Operation Savannah Shield.
Confusion Over Death Toll
Although the governor confirmed 75 deaths, reports from residents suggested the toll could be higher.
A lawmaker representing the area, Mohammed Bio, said different figures were being mentioned by locals.
“There are conflicting reports about the killings. Some say 100, others say over 160. We don’t have the correct report,” he said, adding that the situation was devastating and calling for federal intervention.
Residents claimed that dozens of victims were buried in a mass grave in Woro community on Wednesday afternoon.
Residents Say Attack Was Triggered by Rejection of Extremist Message
Some locals said the attackers had earlier visited nearby border villages preaching that residents should abandon Nigeria’s constitution and embrace Islamic law.
According to one resident, the attackers became angry when they were challenged in Woro and Nuku and then opened fire on the gathering.
The head of Woro village, Alhaji Umar Tanko, said he lost two sons and a daughter, 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 escaped with his family after noticing people running towards the outskirts.
“Those who couldn’t run climbed trees to avoid the attackers,” he added.
Leaders Call for Stronger Military Presence
The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, urged the military to intensify operations around the Niger border axis.
Senator Saliu Mustapha also called for more troop deployment, describing the attack as a tragic reminder of the need for vigilance and community cooperation.
Opposition parties, including the PDP in Kwara, condemned the killings and accused the government of not doing enough beyond issuing sympathy statements.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also described the incident as a national disaster, calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and establish a security base in the affected areas.
Benue Market Attack Leaves Several Dead
In Benue State, suspected bandits attacked Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area on Tuesday during a market day.
The attackers reportedly opened fire, looted goods, and set parts of the market on fire, causing residents to flee.
Death figures remained disputed. While some sources claimed up to 17 people were killed, the traditional ruler of Kwande said six residents and one policeman died. Police later confirmed five deaths, including a police officer.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said a police officer attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force in Makurdi was fatally injured during the response.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, ordered the deployment of additional mobile policemen and armoured vehicles to track the attackers.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, condemned the attack and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
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Senate Raises Alarm Over Katsina Killings
Meanwhile, the Senate expressed concern over worsening insecurity in Katsina State, especially in the Funtua Zone, following attacks that reportedly killed at least 35 people within 24 hours.
Senators urged President Tinubu to fulfil his pledge to establish a military barracks in the zone and also called for improved police equipment, including armoured personnel carriers.
Army Denies Soldiers Were Killed in Ebonyi
The Nigerian Army also dismissed reports claiming that two soldiers were killed and a military patrol vehicle burnt in Oso Edda community, Ebonyi State.
The Cantonment Commander of Nkwagu Barracks, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Chielo, said no soldier died, describing the online reports as false and misleading.
He explained that the ongoing operation in the area involved joint security agencies and was aimed at restoring calm after a deadly community clash.
