The Republic of Türkiye has condemned the deadly terrorist attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the violence as heinous and expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish government said it was “deeply saddened” by the killings in Kwara State and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Nigerian people.
“We strongly condemn this heinous attack and extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria. Türkiye will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism,” the statement said.
The condemnation comes amid reports that more than 170 residents were killed when terrorists invaded Woro and neighbouring communities on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja said the attack was carried out by terrorists angered by the refusal of the villagers to submit to ideological indoctrination.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the incident as a “cowardly terrorist attack” and expressed condolences to the affected families and communities.
According to the DHQ, the assailants had earlier approached Woro village seeking permission to conduct preaching and indoctrination sessions, a request the residents reportedly rejected. Following the development, the military said troops were deployed to the area and maintained patrols and surveillance 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 people of Woro and surrounding communities for their resilience and refusal to abandon their values and constitutional loyalty despite threats from extremists.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria 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 stated.
The DHQ also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the Constitution and resist ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups, warning that such groups seek to impose distorted beliefs through fear and violence. Citizens were encouraged to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, with the military stressing that unity and resilience remain Nigeria’s strongest defence against terrorism.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the DHQ said efforts were being intensified, in collaboration with other security agencies, to track down and prosecute those responsible for the Kwara attacks and other acts of terrorism across the country.
The incident has also drawn international concern. Amnesty International earlier condemned what it described as an alarming surge in killings and abductions across Nigeria, warning that the persistent violence reflects a failure by authorities to adequately protect lives and property.
In a statement, the rights group described Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as a “Bloody Tuesday,” citing coordinated attacks in Kwara, Katsina and Benue states that reportedly left dozens of people dead.
According to Amnesty International, the growing wave of violence and near-total impunity enjoyed by gunmen and criminal gangs has left many Nigerians feeling increasingly unsafe across several parts of the country.