Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara has ordered immediate humanitarian support for victims of the recent attack on the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The directive was issued on Thursday after the governor visited the affected community to commiserate with victims, the Emir of Kaiama, Muazu Omar, and residents of the Kaiama Emirate.
Mr Abdulrazaq directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to mobilise relief materials and commence enumeration of affected families to ensure adequate support.
The governor had earlier arrived in Kaiama on Wednesday night, accompanied by the speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, security commanders, and senior government officials.
He was received by the Emir of Kaiama, the head of Woro, Saliu Umar, and other traditional chiefs.
Briefing journalists after receiving updates from heads of security agencies and community leaders, Mr Abdulrazaq said that no fewer than 75 persons died, while properties were destroyed during the Tuesday night attack.
The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and announced the immediate deployment of soldiers to the area, following approval by President Bola Tinubu under Operation Savannah Shield.
Mr Abdulrazaq described the incident as a “pure massacre,” noting that the victims were attacked for rejecting a strange ideology being propagated by the assailants.
The governor commended Mr Tinubu for the prompt deployment of a battalion of soldiers to the area and assured residents of enhanced security.
“The state emergency services will immediately commence enumeration to ensure proper care and support for the affected families,” he said.
Mr Abdurazaq added that security challenges in Kwara South had largely been subdued and assured that the Kaiama axis, which extends to Kainji National Park in Niger State, would witness increased military presence.
“In the next one month, the area will be flooded with soldiers, and we are confident that the results will be positive, by the grace of God,” he said.
The Emir of Kaiama said the attackers were followers of a group known as Mahmuda, which he said preached a strange ideology and attacked residents who rejected it.
The emir appreciated the governor’s swift response and support. He expressed confidence that the government’s intervention would restore peace to the area.
(NAN)