Kwara Attáck Victims Kïlled for Rejecting Extremist Doctrine

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed a deadly attack on the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, which left at least 75 people dead.

The assault occurred on Tuesday, February 3, around 6 p.m., when suspected terrorists invaded the villages, causing widespread destruction and setting the local monarch’s palace on fire.

During a condolence visit to the Emir of Kaiama on Wednesday, February 4, the governor stated that the victims were targeted for their refusal to renounce their religious practices and accept a modified, extremist form of Islamic doctrine.

Addressing the Emir and community leaders, AbdulRazaq said, “I commiserate with you over the death of 75 of your subjects… This village refused to succumb to a converted form of Islamic doctrine. They are abiding by the Islamic faith and basically did not want any alteration to the Hadith. They pray to Allah, and because they refused a change in doctrine and faith, they were attacked and massacred.”

He emphasized the distinct nature of the violence, stating, “It is different from what we used to see when subjects were kidnapped for ransom. This was just a pure massacre and must be condemned.”

The governor expressed profound sympathy for the bereaved families and denounced the attack as a senseless act of violence that cannot be tolerated. He assured the community of the state government’s resolve to enhance security measures and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.