Gunmen have launched one of the deadliest attacks in recent times on Woro village, a remote settlement in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing dozens and setting homes, shops and the traditional ruler’s palace ablaze.
The assault, which occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, marks a severe escalation in insecurity along the border region with Niger State, where armed gangs have intensified raids on rural communities.
Casualty figures remain uncertain, with conflicting reports emerging from various sources: a Red Cross official said the toll had risen to 162 as search efforts continued, while lawmakers and other residents reported at least 35 to 40 deaths counted so far.
“Reports said that the death toll now stands at 162, as the search for more bodies continues,” said Babaomo Ayodeji, Kwara State secretary of the Red Cross.
Local lawmaker Sa’idu Baba Ahmed told AFP that between “35 to 40 dead bodies were counted” and that many villagers fled into the surrounding bush to escape the attack. He warned that the toll could rise as more bodies are found.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, moving through the village while opening fire and forcing residents to scatter into bushland. Several buildings, including shops and the traditional king’s palace, were set on fire.
The traditional ruler was named as Alhaji Salihu Umar, though his whereabouts were not immediately clear following the attack.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attack but did not release an official casualty figure.
A police spokesperson said officers and military personnel had been deployed to conduct search-and-rescue operations, though challenges accessing the remote area delayed the response.
The state government has blamed the violence on “terrorist cells” and condemned the assault in the strongest terms.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, through his Chief Press Secretary, expressed deep sadness over the tragedy and extended condolences to the affected communities.
“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,” a statement read.
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