Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denounced the deadly attack on two communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the incident as a painful reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that 75 residents were killed in the assault.
Obi, reacting via his X handle on Thursday, said he was “deeply saddened” by reports that gunmen stormed Woro and Nuku communities, killing large numbers of residents and burning houses.
“Every loss of innocent life is tragic, and these killings represent a major failure for us as a nation,” he wrote.
He lamented the spate of violent attacks across the country, warning that the level of insecurity had deteriorated to a point worse than what is experienced in some countries at war.
“These recurring acts of violence across our country – now worse than what occurs in some countries at war – underscore the urgent need for us, as a nation, to declare war on insecurity of lives and property and to deploy every possible means to end this scourge,” Obi added.
He called on authorities to act decisively to restore order, ensure justice for victims and reassure citizens of their safety.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening, reportedly began around 6 p.m. when armed men invaded the villages, rounded up residents, tied their hands and opened fire. Several homes were also razed during the onslaught.
While early reports suggested that over 100 people might have been killed, with the Red Cross estimating about 162 deaths, Governor AbdulRazaq, who visited the affected communities on Wednesday with security chiefs and members of the state executive council, put the confirmed casualty figure at 75.
Addressing survivors and community leaders during the visit, the governor described the killings as a calculated massacre allegedly carried out by extremist elements operating in the region.
“We commiserate with you over the death of 75 of your people. May Allah grant them Aljanah Firdaus,” AbdulRazaq said.
“From the information available, this village refused to succumb to a perverted form of Islamic doctrine. These villagers chose to remain steadfast in their faith, and because they would not accept any alteration, they were attacked and massacred.
“This is different from the usual cases of kidnapping or looting. This was a deliberate massacre, and it is strongly condemned,” he added.
A video posted on the Kwara State Government’s official X account showed the governor at a traditional palace, flanked by military officers, as he sympathised with victims and pledged government support.
Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said security personnel had been deployed to the communities, while investigations into the attack and the number of casualties and missing persons were ongoing.
Governor AbdulRazaq further revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion under “Operation Savannah Shield” to launch counter-operations aimed at apprehending those responsible.
The massacre has drawn condemnation from political leaders and civil society groups, intensifying concerns about rising violence in the North-Central region and renewed calls for stronger action to address insecurity nationwide.