Fresh Terror Attack in Kwara Claims Lives of Women and Children Near NYSC Camp
A community in Kwara North, Kwara State, has been plunged into mourning following a devastating terrorist attack that claimed the lives of a woman and her two children. The incident occurred on Monday, February 9, in Gidan Sani village, located dangerously close to the Kwara State Permanent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Camp under the Tsaragi Emirate.
Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath
According to local sources, armed terrorists invaded the village without warning, targeting the family of Alhaji Abdullahi, a local farmer. The attackers killed his wife and two children, leaving the entire family devastated. Alhaji Abdullahi himself sustained serious injuries during the assault and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tsaragi town.
Residents confirmed that the attack happened barely three days after Vice President Kashim Shettima's visit to the area, raising serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kwara North. Community members expressed growing fears as insecurity continues to spread across several communities in the zone, with suspected terrorists operating with increasing boldness and impunity.
Escalating Violence in Kwara North
This latest incident follows a pattern of escalating violence in the region. Just last week, at least 100 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area were killed following a deadly invasion by suspected terrorists linked to Boko Haram. Survivors described horrific scenes where attackers stormed the community, shooting sporadically, killing residents, and setting houses ablaze.
Prominent victims in the Woro attack included:
- Two wives of the Emir of Woro
- Several children of the Emir
- The Chief Imam of Woro
- A school principal and headmistress
- Students who had just returned home from school
The Emir of Woro, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, remains missing since the attack, with fears growing that he may have been abducted or killed by the assailants. His palace was reportedly attacked during the onslaught, with some family members confirmed dead.
Security Crisis and Government Response
Local sources indicate that the outlaws responsible for these attacks are allegedly linked to a Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction with suspected operational ties to terrorist networks operating across the Sahel region. This connection highlights the transnational nature of the security threat facing northern Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already deployed an army battalion to the region amid rising tensions and the deepening security crisis. The Kwara State government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has acknowledged the increasing incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks, particularly along the Kwara-Niger axis, and claims to be responding to the situation.
However, residents continue to express frustration over what they perceive as inadequate security measures, with many communities feeling vulnerable to further attacks. The proximity of the latest assault to an NYSC camp raises additional concerns about the safety of youth corps members serving in the region.
Broader Pattern of Violence
The security situation in Kwara State has been deteriorating for some time. In recent weeks, residents of Lade and surrounding communities in Patigi and Edu Local Government Areas have been gripped with fear following a wave of deadly attacks by armed bandits. These assaults have left three local vigilantes dead, scores of security operatives injured, and over 100 cattle stolen.
The pattern of violence suggests coordinated efforts by terrorist groups to destabilize the region, with attacks occurring in multiple locations and targeting both civilian populations and security personnel. The psychological impact on communities has been devastating, with many residents living in constant fear of the next attack.
As the security crisis deepens in northern Nigeria, there are growing calls for more decisive action from both federal and state authorities. The recent attacks near the NYSC camp and in Woro community represent a significant escalation in violence that demands urgent attention and comprehensive security strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
