Terrorists kill at least 10, burn homes in Kwara communities

At least 10 residents have been killed after suspected terrorists attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, setting houses on fire and displacing many villagers.
The attack occurred on Tuesday evening when the assailants, said to have come in large numbers, stormed the communities around 6 p.m. Residents said the attackers moved from house to house, shooting indiscriminately and setting buildings ablaze.
Survivors told reporters that several villagers were killed while attempting to flee, while others were attacked inside their homes. Many families escaped with little or nothing and sought refuge in neighbouring communities as the violence spread.
Witness accounts and photographs from the scene showed extensive destruction, with multiple homes reduced to rubble and personal belongings burnt.
Security sources believe the attackers operate from the dense forests of the Borgu National Park in neighbouring Niger State, a known hideout for armed groups.
The Kwara State Government confirmed the attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had been briefed by security agencies and was closely monitoring the situation.
The governor described the assault as a reaction by terrorist groups under pressure from ongoing military operations in the state. He said the attack was a “cowardly expression of frustration” following recent successes recorded by security forces.
The government also suggested that the timing of the attack was an attempt to divert attention from security operations targeting kidnapping and terrorist networks around forested border areas. Governor AbdulRazaq directed security agencies to intensify operations in Kaiama and surrounding communities.
He commiserated with the families of the victims and residents of the affected communities, assuring them of the government’s commitment to restoring calm and protecting vulnerable areas.
The attack adds to rising insecurity in parts of Kwara State. In recent months, security forces have carried out intensified operations and airstrikes in Ifelodun, Edu and Patigi local government areas, alongside the imposition of curfews in some communities.
Despite these measures, border communities near forest reserves and inter state corridors continue to face violent attacks, raising concerns among residents and local leaders.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Kwara State Police Command for official comment were unsuccessful.