Ignored Repeated Warnings Led to Kwara Massacre
Ignored Repeated Warnings Led to Kwara Massacre
Survivors of the recent deadly attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have alleged that authorities ignored repeated warnings about the presence of armed terrorists in the area months before the massacre that left around 170 people dead.
According to residents, local youths and community leaders had repeatedly reported sightings of armed men in nearby bushes and forests between July and August 2025. These warnings were allegedly sent to traditional leaders, local government officials, and the Kwara State government, but no meaningful action was taken to investigate or deploy security personnel.
The terrorists reportedly carried out a coordinated assault on Woro and Nuku villages on February 3–4, 2026, killing dozens of villagers and abducting at least 35 women and children.
Homes, shops, and even the palace of the village head were burnt during the attacks.
Survivors said the attackers demanded locals reject the Nigerian state in favour of extremist ideologies, and violence erupted when the villagers resisted.
While the Kwara State government initially confirmed 75 deaths, community estimates and humanitarian sources suggest the number could be as high as 162–170, making it one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent memory.
The massacre has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) accused the government of negligence, calling for an independent investigation into the security failures.
Activist Omoyele Sowore condemned security agencies for ignoring intelligence reports and focusing instead on prosecuting critics.
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attack and ordered the deployment of a new army battalion to the area under “Operation Savannah Shield”, aimed at hunting down the perpetrators and preventing further attacks.
Security forces, including police, military, forest guards, and local vigilante units, have been mobilized for search, rescue, and stabilization operations.
