President Bola Tinubu has said that Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq briefed him on the attack on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
The president disclosed this in a post on X on Thursday night after meeting the governor at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Tinubu condemned the attack and said the victims were targeted for rejecting extremist ideology.
“I condemn this attack. The gunmen targeted defenceless people for refusing to accept extremist beliefs. Nigeria will not surrender its people to terrorism disguised as faith,” the president said.
He announced the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama to lead Operation Savannah Shield, adding that the troops would work with other security agencies to protect communities and pursue those responsible.
“The new battalion will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to secure the area and hunt down the perpetrators. They will not go scot-free,” Tinubu said.
Boko Haram terrorists, reportedly led by Mallam Sadiku, invaded Woro village on Tuesday and carried out the attack until the early hours of Wednesday.
The village head, Salihu Umar, said the assault lasted several hours without security intervention.
He said two of his sons were among those killed, while his wife and three daughters were kidnapped.
Traditional authorities and the Kwara State Government put the death toll at 75, while residents said more than 100 people were killed.
The police have not confirmed the casualty figures.
Tinubu said he had directed federal and state agencies to work together to provide relief to affected residents and track down the attackers.
“I sympathise with the families of the victims and the people and government of Kwara State. The Federal Government stands with you,” he said.
The president and the governor held a closed-door meeting at the State House amid reports that up to 160 people were killed in Woro and neighbouring Nuku community, raising concerns over security in the North-Central region.
The Defence Headquarters said the attack was carried out by terrorists angered by residents’ refusal to submit to ideological indoctrination. The military said the assailants had earlier sought permission to conduct preaching activities in the community but were rejected.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum also condemned the killings in Kwara, Katsina and Benue states, calling on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and coordinated operations.
Governor Abdulrazaq visited the affected communities and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to mobilise relief materials for victims.
He confirmed the deployment of soldiers to the area and said the enumeration of affected families would begin.
Several groups and individuals, including Peter Obi, Gani Adams, the Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association and Amnesty International, also condemned the attack and called for improved security and accountability.
