Turkey backs Nigeria’s fight against terrorism after Kwara attack
Turkey has expressed condolences to the Nigerian government over the deadly attack by suspected terrorists in Worro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State and pledged continued support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
Rauf Ajakaye, chief press secretary to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, told TheCable that no fewer than 75 residents were killed during the attack on Tuesday.
The victims, believed to be Muslims, were reportedly targeted for rejecting what was described as a strange Islamic doctrine promoted by the attackers.
On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama LGA, where the killings occurred. He described the attackers as heartless for choosing soft targets in what he called a doomed campaign of terror.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the attack.
“We strongly condemn this heinous attack and extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria,” the statement said.
It added that Turkey would continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
President Tinubu visited Turkey last week on a state visit, during which Nigeria and Turkey signed nine agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. One of the agreements focused on defence cooperation.
