Killing Of Over 100 In Kwara: Violation Of People’s Right To Life, Liberty, Says VP Shettima

The Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, on Saturday, described the attack on residents of Woro Community in Kwara State as an unacceptable violation of people’s right to peaceful practice of their faith, noting that the size of the carnage shocked Nigerians.

He spoke at Government House, Ilorin, the state capital when he paid a condolence visit on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. 

Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu's sympathy to AbdulRazaq, the people of Kaiama, and the entire Kwara State over the incident, praying Allah to grant the deceased Al-jannah Firdaus (eternal rest).

His words, “Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Tinubu to commiserate with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State by extension over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

“That tragic killing has shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of communities that were dedicated to building their peaceful livelihoods while they practised their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam have instructed.

“The Kaiama and Baruten, and even the Batonu speaking parts of old Borgu that spread into Niger and Kebbi States and even overlap into the neighbouring Benin Republic, have been known for practising the most tolerant form of Islam for centuries until the emergence of an alien religious belief, and tradition in those communities.

“Security issues are sensitive issues. We do not have to divulge most of the actions that have been taken" by our security agencies ...

"But I am here fundamentally to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama in particular over the tragic loss of lives and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony that our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you,” he added. “May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and reward them with his Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant the families and the people of Kaiama the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.”

Shettima informed AbdulRazaq that a battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to prevent further threats on Kaiama and environs, saying all hands were on deck to ensure that peace was restored to the affected communities. 

He also, said that Tinubu had instructed the Director General of NEMA to mobilise all resources in partnership with the state emergency management agency in support of the distressed communities.

Replying, AbdulRazaq, commended President for his swift actions, including the immediate deployment of soldiers and police tactical teams to the affected communities.

“We thank the President and the Vice President for this visit. We appreciate you for coming to Kwara State over the sad incident that happened in Woro, Kaiama Local Government. 

"The response of the Federal Government has been very swift and we are grateful,” he said, pointing out that he was confounded by the scale of the violence when he visited Woro on Wednesday.

He confirmed that, already, troops of Operation Savannah Shield were already being deployed to prevent a recurrence.

“As you can see, you were welcomed at the airport this morning by the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division of Nigerian Army. Police DIG (Operations) is on ground. 

"Representatives of the NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened. We do really appreciate the response of the Federal Government.

“All said, we will continue to work harder and pray for better security in Nigeria and for those committing this evil act to meet their waterloo.

We will continue to pray and support our President and Vice President for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”

Also, speaking on behalf of Northeastern States, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, sympathized with the people of Kwara, and prayed Allah to bless the departed souls.

“As Muslims, we believe in destiny and In-Sha Allahu, this will not happen again. Our prayers are with you, and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive the departed souls and grant them Janatul firdaus,” he added.

Among those on the VP’s entourage were Borno State Governor, Prof. Umara Zulum; Senator Ali Ndume; Senator Emmanuel Udende; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar.