Peter Obi Reacts to Deadly Boko Haram Attack in Kwara State
Presidential hopeful and opposition leader Peter Obi has expressed profound sadness following the devastating Boko Haram terrorist attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, which claimed the lives of 162 villagers. The former Labour Party chieftain called for immediate and decisive action to address the escalating insecurity plaguing Nigeria.
Obi's Statement on the Tragedy
In a personally signed statement obtained by journalists on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Obi described the killings as "a major failure for us as a nation." The African Democratic Congress chieftain extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the affected communities, and the government and people of Kwara State.
Obi stated via a post on social media platform X: "I am deeply saddened by the recent attacks in Kwara State, where gunmen reportedly killed about 150 people in villages, including Woro and Nuku. Every loss of innocent life is tragic, and these killings represent a major failure for us as a nation."
Call for Action Against Insecurity
The presidential hopeful emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive security measures, noting that "these recurring acts of violence across our country - now worse than what occurs in some countries at war - underscore the urgent need for us, as a nation, to declare war on insecurity of lives and property and to deploy every possible means to end this scourge."
Obi called on relevant authorities to act swiftly to restore peace, bring perpetrators to justice, and reassure Nigerians that their lives matter and must be protected. His statement comes amid growing concerns about security challenges across multiple regions of Nigeria.
Details of the Deadly Attack
The attack occurred on Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026, when gunmen linked to Boko Haram terrorists stormed villages in Kaiama Local Government Area. According to Red Cross officials, at least 162 people lost their lives in what represents one of the deadliest attacks in Nigeria in recent months.
The violence targeted hapless villagers in Worro community, with the attack coming shortly after Nigerian military forces conducted operations in the area against what they described as "terrorist elements." The military's Operation Savannah Shield has been intensified in response to the tragedy.
Broader Security Context in Nigeria
This incident highlights the complex security landscape facing Africa's most populous nation. Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security threats including:
- Armed gangs known as bandits who loot villages and kidnap for ransom
- Intercommunal violence in north-central states
- Jihadist activity in the northeast and northwest regions
- Kidnapping for ransom operations across various states
The Kwara attack demonstrates how terrorist activities have spread beyond traditional conflict zones, affecting regions previously considered relatively secure.
Community Response and Developments
In a positive development amid the tragedy, the village head of Woro, Alhaji Salihu Umar, who was initially declared missing following the attack, has been found alive. Popular Kwara State-born public commentator Professor Farooq Kperogi confirmed this update via social media, expressing appreciation for the governor's quick intervention and physical presence at the scene of the massacre.
Kperogi noted: "I appreciate the governor's quick intervention and physical presence at the theater of the mass massacre and hope that Operation Savannah Shield works to ensure that this does not happen again. Prevention is always better than reaction."
Recent Security Incidents in Kwara
This deadly attack follows other security incidents in Kwara State, including a recent abduction in Isapa community, Ekiti Local Government Area, where armed bandits kidnapped at least 11 people, including a pregnant woman and several children. Police reports indicate approximately 30 armed men stormed the town, firing sporadically and leaving bullet holes in walls and doors before fleeing through forest paths connecting to neighboring communities.
The Nigerian military continues to intensify efforts to combat terrorism across affected regions, with particular attention now focused on Kwara State following this devastating attack that has drawn national and international concern.
