Tinubu condemns Kaiama attack, meets Kwara governor at State House

By Kunle Sanni, Abuja –

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday condemned the deadly attack on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State as he met with the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at the State House, Abuja.

The meeting followed heightened security concerns after suspected Boko Haram insurgents carried out overnight attacks on Woro and Nuku communities, leaving dozens of residents dead.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who earlier described the incident as a “pure massacre”, said no fewer than 75 victims had already been buried. He made the disclosure during condolence visits to the affected communities and the palace of the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar.

In response to the attack, President Tinubu approved the immediate deployment of an Army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area and directed the appointment of a field commander to oversee security operations in the area.

According to the Presidency, the troops will operate under a newly established military command, Operation Savannah Shield, a special mission aimed at countering terrorist threats, securing vulnerable communities, and preventing further attacks.

The president also directed that the deployment should provide relief for displaced residents and help restore confidence and safety in the affected communities.

Condemning the assault, Tinubu described the perpetrators as “heartless”, noting that the victims were defenceless civilians targeted in what he called a failed campaign of terror.

He further lamented reports that some of the victims were killed for resisting forced indoctrination and for practising a form of Islam that rejects extremism and violence.