The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has confirmed that the recent deadly attack on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State was carried out by terrorists angered by the residents’ refusal to submit to ideological indoctrination.
In a statement on Thursday signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the assault as a “cowardly terrorist attack” that resulted in the loss of innocent lives, expressing shock and condolences to affected families and communities. Reports indicate that over 170 residents were killed during the Tuesday attack.
According to the DHQ, the attackers had earlier approached Woro village seeking permission to “conduct preaching and indoctrination sessions,” which the villagers reportedly rejected. Troops were subsequently deployed to the area and maintained patrols, surveillance, and other security measures for about two weeks.
“However, weeks after the troops withdrew, the cowardly terrorists returned to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others,” the statement said.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) commended the resilience of Woro and neighbouring communities, praising residents for refusing to abandon their way of life or constitutional loyalty despite repeated threats.
“The AFN mourns with the families of those who have lost loved ones in these and other similar brutal attacks on defenceless citizens defending community values and freedom across Nigeria,” the military added.
The DHQ urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in the Constitution and to resist ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups, warning that such groups seek to impose “twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation.” Citizens were also encouraged to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, emphasizing that unity and resilience remain the nation’s strongest defence against terrorism.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the DHQ stated that efforts were being intensified in collaboration with other security agencies to track down and prosecute those responsible for the Woro attack and other acts of terrorism across the country.
The deadly assault has drawn international concern. Amnesty International condemned the escalating attacks and abductions for ransom across Nigeria, describing Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as a “Bloody Tuesday.” According to the human rights organisation, coordinated attacks across Kwara, Katsina, and Benue states left dozens of people dead, highlighting what it called the Nigerian authorities’ failure to protect lives and property.
“Alarming escalation of attacks, abductions for ransom and frequent killings across Nigeria have left people feeling more unsafe, showing utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives and properties,” Amnesty International said.