Survivors of a brutal jihadist attack on Woro and Nuku in Kwara State have recounted the harrowing violence that left at least 75 people dead and dozens more abducted.
“They came en masse in the name of religion, and they decided to kill our people,” said Abdulla Umar Usman, a former teacher and Woro resident, describing the attack. “They sent a letter asking to preach, and when we rejected it, they massacred us.”
Traditional Ruler’s Family Targeted
The attackers reportedly went straight to the home of the traditional ruler, Umar Bio Salihu. Although Salihu was not at home, his children were.
“Two of the community head’s children, who were medical students, were killed in front of the house before they set it ablaze,” Usman said. Salihu confirmed the tragic loss and abductions, stating, “They killed two of my children and abducted my wife and three other children.”
Night-Long Killing Spree
The militants carried out a killing spree that lasted through the night. “They massacred everyone. It is just devastating,” said Mohammed Dauda, a local official.
Amnesty International reported that many victims were found with their hands and feet tied; some had their throats slit, while others were shot.
“They killed two of my children and abducted my wife and three others,” Salihu reiterated, describing the trauma his family endured.
Militants Tried to Impose Their Rule
The attackers reportedly demanded that residents renounce the Nigerian government and its constitution, insisting they follow the militants’ teachings instead. Salihu said this was “against what the Quran teaches.”
Isa Sanusi, head of Amnesty International in Nigeria, explained, “These communities have been receiving pamphlets promoting extremist views. After encountering resistance from the people, the militants escalated their threats.”
Local MP Saidu Baba Ahmed added that the final warning letter was sent to Salihu, who contacted security forces. While the military briefly visited the area, the jihadists struck after they left.
Security Lapse Sparks Outrage
Sanusi criticized the failure of the security forces, saying, “We are questioning why this lapse was allowed to happen and why authorities did not take stronger action. The militants even went to the mosque to pray and forced some residents to attend their preaching. They had enough time to carry out whatever they wanted.”
Communities Left in Ruins
Residents and soldiers began the grim task of burying the dead. “I was among those who buried 30 corpses,” Dauda said. “We have never experienced anything like this in Kaiama local government area.”
A 79-year-old survivor told Reuters that his wife and four children had been abducted. Survivors describe deserted roads and empty markets in the once-bustling villages.
“They knew exactly where the vigilantes lived and went straight for them,” Salihu said. “They burned about eight of them to ashes.”
Troops Deployed
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to respond to the attacks.
Residents say the attackers likely emerged from forested areas near Kainji Lake National Park, where militants are known to operate.
