President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned in the strongest terms the recent attack on Worro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing it as “cowardly and beastly” and an affront to humanity, faith, and Nigeria’s shared values.
In a statement following a briefing with Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the President revealed that the victims were killed for rejecting an attempt at forced ideological indoctrination. “It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue,” Tinubu said, emphasizing that Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism masquerading as faith.
He announced the immediate deployment of an Army battalion to Kaiama under a new military command, spearheading Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at countering the terrorists and protecting defenceless communities.
The President also directed federal and state agencies to work closely to provide urgent support and relief to affected residents, stressing that those responsible for the atrocity will be pursued and brought to justice. “They will not go scot-free,” he warned.
Tinubu extended condolences to the families of the victims and sympathized with the people and government of Kwara State. “The Federal Government stands with you. We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror,” he said, praying for the repose of the departed souls.
The directive comes after reports that over 170 residents were killed by terrorists who attacked Worro and neighbouring communities after villagers refused to submit to extremist preaching.