By Obinna Uballa
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent killings in Kwara State, describing the attack as tragic and a grave indictment of Nigeria’s security situation, as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that 75 residents were killed in the assault on two communities in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Obi, in a post on X on Thursday, said he was “deeply saddened” by reports that gunmen invaded Woro and Nuku communities, killing scores of residents and razing homes.
“Every loss of innocent life is tragic, and these killings represent a major failure for us as a nation,” Obi wrote.
He warned that the recurring violence across the country had reached alarming levels, saying the situation was now worse than what is seen in some war-torn nations.
“These recurring acts of violence across our country, now worse than what occurs in some countries at war – underscore the urgent need for us, as a nation, to declare war on insecurity of lives and property and to deploy every possible means to end this scourge,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor urged authorities to act swiftly to restore peace, bring perpetrators to justice, and reassure Nigerians that their lives and property would be protected.
The attack Obi referenced occurred on Tuesday evening when gunmen reportedly stormed the villages of Woro and Nuku around 6 p.m., rounding up residents, tying their hands and opening fire. Homes were also set ablaze during the raid.
Initial reports had suggested that over 100 people may have been killed in the massacre, with the Red Cross putting the figure as high as 162. However, AbdulRazaq, who visited the affected communities on Wednesday alongside security chiefs and members of the state executive council, confirmed that 75 people lost their lives.
Speaking during the visit, the governor described the incident as a cowardly and deliberate massacre carried out by terrorist cells operating in the region.
“We commiserate with you over the death of 75 of your people. May Allah grant them Aljanah Firdaus,” AbdulRazaq said at a meeting with community leaders and traditional rulers.
“From the information available, this village refused to succumb to a perverted form of Islamic doctrine. These villagers chose to remain steadfast in their faith, and because they would not accept any alteration, they were attacked and massacred.
“This is different from the usual cases of kidnapping or looting. This was a deliberate massacre, and it is strongly condemned,” he added.
A video shared on the Kwara State Government’s official X handle showed the governor at a traditional palace flanked by military officers as he sympathised with survivors and assured them of government support.
The state police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the attack and said security operatives had been deployed to the communities, while investigations into the incident and the number of casualties and missing persons were ongoing.
AbdulRazaq further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion under “Operation Savannah Shield” to conduct counter-operations against those responsible for the killings.
The massacre has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from political leaders, civil society groups and residents, reigniting concerns over escalating violence in parts of the North-Central region and renewed criticism of the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity.
