Terrorists Kill Over 10, Burn Homes in Kwara Communities

At least 10 residents have been killed and dozens displaced following a deadly terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The attack occurred on Tuesday evening when heavily armed assailants, believed to be operating from the dense forests of the Borgu National Park in neighbouring Niger State, stormed the rural settlements at about 6 p.m., firing gunshots and setting houses ablaze.

Survivors told reporters that the attackers arrived in large numbers and moved from house to house, shooting indiscriminately and torching buildings, triggering panic among residents. Several villagers were reportedly killed while attempting to flee, while others were attacked inside their homes.

Eyewitnesses said many families escaped with little or no belongings, fleeing to nearby communities as the violence escalated.

Photographs from the affected areas showed widespread destruction, with multiple homes reduced to ashes and personal property destroyed.

The Kwara State Government confirmed the incident and expressed grief over the loss of lives. In a statement issued Tuesday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had been fully briefed by security agencies and was closely monitoring the situation.

According to the statement, the governor described the attack as a reaction by terrorist groups facing increased pressure from security forces.

“The Governor condemns the attack, which he says is a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells following the ongoing counter-terrorism campaigns in parts of the state and the successes so far recorded,” the statement said.

The government further alleged that the timing of the assault suggested an attempt by the attackers to divert security attention from ongoing operations targeting kidnapping and terrorist networks in forested border areas.

Governor AbdulRazaq has directed security agencies to intensify operations in Kaiama and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks.

He also commiserated with the families of the victims and residents of Kaiama, assuring them of the state government’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting vulnerable communities.

The latest incident adds to growing security concerns in parts of Kwara State in recent months.

Earlier reported intensified military operations, including airstrikes targeting suspected terrorist camps in Ifelodun, Edu and Patigi local government areas. Curfews have also been imposed in some communities to support ongoing security clearance operations.

Residents have continued to call for sustained security presence in rural and border communities, as fears persist over possible further attacks.