Kwara Governor AbdulRazaq Meets President Tinubu Following Deadly Terrorist Attack in Kaiama
In response to a devastating terrorist assault in Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday, February 5. The governor arrived at the state house around 5:00 PM for crucial discussions on security measures following the tragic incident.
Brutal Attack Claims Lives in Kaiama Communities
Suspected terrorists believed to be members of a Boko Haram faction launched a coordinated attack on Worro and Nuku villages within the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The assailants carried out a brutal assault that resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
According to reports from The Punch, the gunmen killed numerous residents while also burning homes, shops, and even the palace of the traditional ruler. The attack has sent shockwaves through the region and prompted immediate government response at both state and federal levels.
Governor's Assessment and Presidential Response
Before his meeting with President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq had personally visited the affected communities in Kaiama to assess the situation and offer condolences. The governor met with community members at the palace of Alhaji Omar Mu'azu (Bagidi Kiyaru IV), the Emir of Kaiama, to express solidarity with the grieving population.
Speaking about the tragic events, Governor AbdulRazaq stated: "At least 75 local Muslims were massacred in cold blood simply for refusing to surrender to extremists who preached a strange doctrine. I condemn the attack and share in the grief of the community."
The governor further announced that President Tinubu had approved immediate military intervention: "His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to prosecute counter-offensives codenamed 'Operation Savannah Shield' in the area to flush out the terrorist elements and prevent further attacks on our citizens."
Public Reactions to the Tragedy and Government Response
The governor's comments and the overall government response have generated significant reactions from Nigerians across various platforms. Many citizens have expressed their views on the security situation and the appropriate measures needed to address such threats.
Mobolaji Alausa emphasized the importance of preventive measures: "It shouldn't take tragedy before leadership shows up. Governance shouldn't be about arriving after a disaster with sirens and cameras; it should be about preventing the disaster in the first place. Nigerian governors must prioritise intelligence, community safety, and early intervention over reactive visits and empty optics."
Babatunde Paul offered condolences while expressing hope for improved security: "Accept my condolences your Excellency, and may God continue to fight the battles and grant our security men more victories in combating the insurgencies in Kwara state and Nigeria in general."
Another commentator identified as Chief lamented the deteriorating security situation: "So you removed 100 people, or are those ones not people? See what you have done to the state where I grew up. From patigi to ilorin to offa, it was always peace. If nothing at least there was peace in the state."
Muhammad Jamiu expressed appreciation for the government's response: "Thank you for standing with the people of Kaiama in this painful moment. The loss of innocent lives is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with the families affected by this senseless violence. I appreciate the swift action being taken to protect our communities and restore peace."
Previous Security Incidents in Kwara State
This recent attack follows other security challenges in Kwara State. Earlier reports indicated that tragedy struck in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area, where suspected terrorists dressed in military camouflage stormed the community and killed six people in a brazen nighttime attack.
The incident occurred around 9:00 PM at the main garage of the town, near the residence of a prominent elder named Alhaji Jubril. These successive security breaches have raised concerns about the safety of residents in various parts of Kwara State and the effectiveness of current security measures.
The deployment of military forces under Operation Savannah Shield represents a significant escalation in the government's response to terrorist activities in the region. Security analysts will be closely monitoring the effectiveness of these counter-offensive operations in preventing future attacks and restoring stability to affected communities.
