Terrorists have launched a deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing more than 10 villagers and razing several houses in coordinated assaults that plunged the area into fear and mourning.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the armed assailants, believed to be operating from the dense forest of the Borgu National Park in neighbouring Niger State, invaded the rural settlements at approximately 6pm.
Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers, shooting sporadically and causing widespread panic as villagers fled for safety.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the gunmen moved from house to house, setting buildings ablaze and forcing residents to abandon their homes.
Several villagers were reportedly caught in the crossfire as they attempted to escape, while others were killed in their homes.
Many families have been displaced, with survivors seeking refuge in nearby communities.
Scenes from the communities show extensive destruction, with multiple houses reduced to the rubble and personal belongings totally burnt.
Reacting to the incident, the Kwara State Government expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction of property.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, was personally monitoring the situation and had been fully briefed by security agencies.
“The Governor condemns the attack, which he says is a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells following the on-going counter-terrorism campaigns in parts of the state and the successes so far recorded,” the statement read.
The state government further alleged that the timing of the assault was a calculated attempt to divert the attention of security forces who have recently recorded successes in hunting down kidnapping gangs and dismantling criminal networks operating around forested border areas.
According to the statement, Governor Abdulrazaq has directed security agencies to intensify counter-terrorism operations in Kaiama Local Government Area and its environs.
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Kaiama community, assuring them that the state government would work closely with security agencies to restore peace.
