UN, US, AU, others condemn Kwara attack, with nearly 200 killed, over 50 hospitalized
The United Nations, African Union, United States, and government of Türkiye, among others have condemned the terrorist attack in Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State, killing nearly 200 people and leaving over 50 persons hospitalized.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a post on X, said “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 3 February in Kwara State, Nigeria. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of Nigeria. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The United States Mission in Nigeria wrote: “The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence. We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice.”
The African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in a statement on Wednesday described the attack as “heinous, barbaric and unacceptable”, adding that it was a severe violation of human rights. He extended condolences to the victims’ families, while reaffirming support for Nigeria’s efforts to restore peace across the country.
Condemning the attack, the Turkish government said in a statement on the website of its ministry of foreign affairs: “We strongly condemn this heinous attack and extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria. Türkiye will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.”
Germany and the Republic of Benin also condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the victims and pledging solidarity with Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
Armed groups had on Tuesday attacked two villages in Kwara State, killing between170 and 200 people according to reports, with many victims reportedly shot at close range, while homes and shops were set ablaze, forcing residents to flee from the communities.
The Kwara State government on Wednesday said 75 victims were buried in a mass grave, though Saidu Baba Ahmed, a local lawmaker, disclosed that 170 bodies were recovered, with a rise in death toll expected.
“Information at my disposal indicated that the casualties have risen to 170. So, our people are still in the bush searching for more bodies. Thirty-five women were abducted. Survivors are also taking refuge in the bush,” Ahmed said.
Kwara State, especially communities in the state bordering forest belts, has been battling security challenges like banditry, kidnapping and activities of armed group fleeing military pressure in nearby states in the north-central and north-west regions.
Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, responding to the incident, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational, and intelligence units to the state in the wake of the attack, stressing that efforts were underway to arrest the culprits.
The Governor of Kwara State Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said the incident was a “pure massacre” noting that at least 75 victims had already been buried.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of an army battalion, under Operation Savannah Shield, to strengthen security in the state.
