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President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a full army battalion to Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly overnight attack by Boko Haram terrorists that killed dozens of residents.
The deployment is aimed at restoring security in the area and preventing further assaults after gunmen stormed the rural community for several hours, targeting civilians and destroying homes, according to official statements.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale Onanuga, the president said the newly deployed battalion will lead Operation Savannah Shield, a security initiative designed to dismantle terrorist networks and protect vulnerable communities.
“The new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the barbaric terrorists and protect defenseless communities,” Onanuga said.
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Tinubu condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly and beastly” act, and said the assailants deliberately targeted unarmed villagers.
Casualty figures from the attack remain contested. While the Kwara State government said at least 75 people were killed, the Nigerian Red Cross reported that 162 deaths had been confirmed. Earlier reporting by Premium Times cited local sources who put the number as high as 170.
Residents said the attackers, reportedly led by a Boko Haram commander identified as Mallam Sadiku, operated freely for hours before withdrawing from the area.
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According to the presidency, Tinubu believes the victims, most of whom were Muslims, were targeted for refusing to embrace extremist beliefs promoted by the terrorists. “The president believes the villagers were killed for refusing to be conscripted into a distorted ideology that promotes violence over peace and dialogue,” Onanuga said.
Tinubu also commended the residents for rejecting radical Islam, describing their stance as courageous in the face of terror. The president urged federal and state authorities to work together to provide relief for affected families and ensure accountability. “He directed all relevant agencies to provide immediate support to the victims and ensure those responsible do not go unpunished,” the statement said.
Tinubu also offered condolences to grieving families and prayed for the repose of those killed in the attack.
According to residents, the assault began around 5 p.m. on Tuesday and continued late into the night. The attackers reportedly withdrew in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving behind burned homes and mass casualties.
