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By Abdullah Ahmed
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to immediately mobilise humanitarian support for victims of the Tuesday night terrorist attacks in Woro, Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor issued the directive around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday during a visit to Woro, where he commiserated with the victims, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the people of Kaiama Emirate over the tragic incident.
Ahead of the visit to Woro, Governor AbdulRazaq arrived in Kaiama on Wednesday night, accompanied by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, security commanders, and senior government officials.
They were received by the Emir of Kaiama, alongside the Head of Woro, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, and other traditional chiefs.
Briefing journalists after receiving updates from security agencies and community leaders, the Governor disclosed that at least 75 residents of the Muslim-majority community lost their lives, in addition to property destroyed during the attack.
While praying for the repose of the deceased, Governor AbdulRazaq announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of soldiers to the area under Operation Savannah Shield.
“We are deeply saddened. We are here to commiserate with Your Royal Highness over the death of 75 of your subjects. May Allah grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus,” the Governor said at the Emir’s Palace late Wednesday.
“From the information available to us, these victims were massacred because they refused to submit to a strange Islamic doctrine. This is different from the usual incidents of kidnapping for ransom. This was a pure massacre, and we stand with you at this difficult time.”
The Governor commended President Tinubu for the swift approval of a battalion of troops to reinforce security in the area.
“At the moment, the state emergency services will commence enumeration to determine how best to support the affected families,” he said.
He also praised security agencies for their efforts across the state, noting that security challenges in Kwara South had been largely subdued.
“This is a major challenge that goes beyond Kwara State, extending to the Kainji Lake National Park area in Niger State. I can assure you that within the next one month, the area will be flooded with soldiers, and by the grace of God, the outcome will be positive,” he added.
In his response, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, told the Governor that the attackers were followers of a group led by one Mahmuda, who propagated a strange ideology and targeted residents who rejected their doctrine.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor for his prompt intervention and solidarity.
“We are deeply moved by Your Excellency’s presence, especially considering that you just returned from a trip. What happened in Woro was most unfortunate. We lost a large number of people, and we pray for the repose of their souls,” the Emir said.
“This visit, along with the presence of the security team, has reassured us that we are not alone and that we are part of the larger system.”
