The worsening security situation in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State took a deadly turn following a large-scale attack on Woro, a remote community in the area, where at least 170 people were killed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.
The attack, which began around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and lasted into the early hours of Wednesday, involved heavily armed assailants who stormed the community, opened fire on residents, set houses ablaze, and abducted an unspecified number of women and children. Survivors described the assault as prolonged and overwhelming.
The incident occurred about five months after the terrorists reportedly sent a warning letter to the district head of Woro, Salihu Umar, indicating their intention to visit the community for what they described as radical preaching. Following the letter, security authorities were alerted, and soldiers were deployed to the area but later withdrew after weeks without any incident.
Residents believe the attack may have been carried out in retaliation for the district head’s decision to inform authorities about the threat. The remote location of Woro and its proximity to forested areas are believed to have made it vulnerable to the assault.
The Woro attack underscores broader security challenges facing Kaiama Local Government, where residents have raised repeated concerns over banditry and armed criminal activity. Farming and other economic activities have been disrupted across several communities, while fear and displacement continue to grow.
Security agencies say investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to track the attackers and prevent further violence. Meanwhile, residents and community leaders are calling for a sustained security presence to protect vulnerable communities and restore confidence in the area.
