Fresh details have emerged from Tuesday’s deadly attack on Warra community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where no fewer than 75 persons were killed and about five abducted by gunmen.
Mr. Umar Ali, younger brother to the Traditional Ruler of Ki Woro, disclosed the figures in an interview with journalists on Wednesday evening. He explained that the attackers stormed the community around 5:00 p.m., arriving on motorcycles, surrounding the town, and opening fire from multiple directions.
Ali recounted that residents who tried to flee were shot, while those who surrendered were rounded up at the palace of the village head, tied up, and killed. He added that some victims were burnt alive inside shops and houses after the attackers locked them in and set the buildings ablaze.
“We physically counted 75 corpses within the town, but people are suggesting the number of those abducted, especially women, could be over 100,” Ali said.
He revealed that the wife of the traditional ruler, Hauwa Umar, his mother, and three of his children were among those abducted, leaving five members of the ruler’s household unaccounted for.
The attack has thrown the community into panic, with many residents fleeing their homes, leaving the town nearly deserted. Ali stressed the urgent need for increased security presence to restore confidence and allow displaced residents to return.
He noted that prior intelligence reports of a possible attack had been communicated to local and higher government authorities. Soldiers had earlier patrolled the area on a suspected strike day, which he believed discouraged the attackers at that time. However, there was no security presence during Tuesday’s assault, and operatives only arrived after many victims had already died from gunshot wounds due to lack of immediate medical attention.
The injured were later taken to the General Hospital, with some referred to the Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
Top government and security officials, including the Brigade Commander, Divisional Police Officer, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief of Staff, and the constituency’s State Assembly member, have since visited Woro to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells in response to ongoing counterterrorism campaigns and successes recorded in parts of the state. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the Woro and Nuku communities, particularly the families affected by the tragic incident.
By Kayode Abdulazeez, Ilorin
