Kwara Community Mourns as 78 Victims of Bandit Attack Laid to Rest
The Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has been plunged into profound grief following a devastating bandit attack that claimed numerous lives. Residents recovered 78 bodies from the aftermath of the assault, which occurred on Tuesday evening, January 3. The victims were given janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer, and buried in batches on Wednesday evening, as the community continues to search for more missing persons in the surrounding bush.
Details of the Deadly Raid
According to exclusive interviews with community sources who escaped the attack, suspected terrorists linked to Boko Haram stormed Woro on Tuesday evening. The assailants fired sporadically, killing residents indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze. The palace of the village head, along with residential buildings and shops, was reportedly torched during the raid. Initial reports indicate that more than 100 residents may have been killed in the invasion, with the death toll potentially rising as search efforts continue.
Mass Burial and Conflicting Casualty Figures
Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Gwanabe/Gwaria constituency, confirmed the recovery of 78 corpses, comprising 75 males and three females. The janazah was performed around 6:30 pm on Wednesday, shortly before the magrib prayer. Due to the high number of casualties, the victims were buried in batches, with groups of 10, 15, and 20 laid to rest together.
However, conflicting figures have emerged regarding the total death toll. Hon. Aliyu Mande, a community leader in Kaiama and former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, disputed the initial count, insisting the casualties already exceed 40 and could be as high as 86. He also confirmed that two children of the village head were among those killed, with one recently graduating from a School of Nursing in 2025.
Abductions and Ongoing Search Operations
The lawmaker further disclosed that 35 residents were abducted and taken into the bush by the attackers. Information available to him suggests the total casualty figure could be far higher than what has been recovered so far, potentially reaching about 170. "Our people are still in the bush searching for more bodies," he stated, highlighting the ongoing efforts to account for all missing persons.
Security Response and Presidential Action
In response to the attack, soldiers and forest guards have reportedly taken over the affected communities as tension remains high. President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday night, February 4, ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area. According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the terrorists and protect defenseless communities.
Broader Context of Violence in Kwara
This attack is the latest in a series of violent raids in parts of Kwara State, with residents repeatedly calling for stronger security measures to halt the killings and abductions. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by bandits and terrorist groups in the region, necessitating urgent and coordinated action from both state and federal authorities.
As the Woro community grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on recovering all victims, supporting the bereaved families, and enhancing security to prevent future atrocities. The mass burial serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of such attacks and the pressing need for effective interventions to safeguard vulnerable populations.
