Survivors of the deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have accused government officials of politicising post-massacre relief efforts, alleging that rice and other palliatives were distributed to mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The February 4, 2026 evening assault on Woro by suspected terrorists left scores dead in what residents describe as one of the worst attacks in the state in recent years. Among those reportedly killed were two wives of the Emir of Woro, several of his children, the Chief Imam, a school principal, a headmistress and students who had just returned home. The Emir, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, was declared missing amid fears he was either abducted or killed.
Security sources linked the attackers to a Sadiku-led faction of Boko Haram believed to have operational ties to Sahel-based extremist networks.
In the aftermath of the violence, displaced residents from Woro, Baburasa and Wawa communities alleged that the distribution of relief materials was turned into what they described as a political mobilisation exercise rather than a genuine humanitarian response.
“We are farmers. Food is not our problem,” a displaced woman said. “What we are asking for is security so we can go back to our homes. Our husbands were killed, our shops burnt, and we are now living in fear.”
Several survivors claimed that many of the actual victims had fled the community and were not present during the distribution, while individuals allegedly identified as party loyalists benefited from the exercise.
“Most of the people who collected the rice are not even from Woro,” another resident alleged. “Many real residents ran away after the killings. The distribution was used to gather party loyalists. It looked more like a political gathering than help for victims.”
A male survivor further alleged that officials used the occasion to canvass political support. “All they talked about was support for APC and how people should vote. It felt like they were rewarding party members instead of helping those who suffered,” he said.
Some of the displaced residents specifically accused the Vice Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Hajjia Abubakar Aishat Sadiq, of spearheading what they termed a politically driven relief effort.
“It was not about our pain,” one grieving woman said. “It was about politics. They turned our tragedy into a campaign.”
The allegations come as the Kwara State Government, through the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, announced that it had commenced distribution of relief materials to victims of the Woro and neighbouring Nuku attacks.
In a statement signed by Atolagbe Seun, the agency said the intervention was coordinated by the state’s Committee on Woro and Nuku Attacks and aimed at providing immediate support to affected households. It added that more than 550 households had benefited and that efforts were ongoing to ensure equitable distribution across impacted communities.
However, survivors insist that security – not food – remains their most urgent need.
“We are not begging for rice,” another displaced resident said. “We want protection. If security was provided, we would return to our farms and feed ourselves.”