U.S. Condemns ‘Horrific’ Kwara Massacre, Backs Tinubu’s Security Actions
The United States Mission in Nigeria has strongly condemned a deadly attack on communities in Kwara State, describing the assault as “horrific” and extending heartfelt condolences to families of the victims as national and international responses intensify.
In a statement posted on Friday on the Mission’s official Facebook page, U.S. officials said the assault in Kaiama Local Government Area claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the toll still unconfirmed and many individuals still unaccounted for.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara state in Nigeria … We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” the statement said.
The violence erupted when gunmen stormed the Woro and Nuku villages in the Kaiama area. Humanitarian sources, including the Red Cross, have estimated that at least 162 civilians were killed, and the search for more bodies continues.
PRNigeria reports that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the killings as “cowardly and barbaric,” and ordered the deployment of a battalion of troops to secure the affected communities. The military initiative, labeled Operation Savannah Shield, aims to deter further attacks and support ongoing security operations in the region.
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Tinubu also directed federal and state officials to deliver humanitarian assistance to survivors and help families cope with the crisis, a move that was welcomed by the U.S. Mission.
While authorities have not publicly confirmed an exact casualty figure, local lawmakers and humanitarian observers warn the toll could be significantly higher than initial figures reported by police.
No group has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, but government sources and analysts have pointed to suspected insurgent and terrorist cells active in parts of northern and central Nigeria.
Observers say militants have increasingly targeted rural communities, exploiting security gaps and forced displacement.
Kwara, traditionally considered less vulnerable than the northeastern states beset by Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates, has in recent months seen a worrying uptick in violence, underscoring the evolving nature of Nigeria’s security challenges.
The U.S. statement praised President Tinubu’s directives, highlighting the need to investigate and prosecute those behind the atrocity. “We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces … and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice,” the Mission added.
With families still searching for missing loved ones and communities grappling with trauma and loss, local leaders have called for intensified military protection, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration with security agencies to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.
By PRNigeria
