President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday strongly condemned the deadly attack on villagers in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the assault as “cowardly and beastly,” while ordering the immediate deployment of an Army battalion to restore peace.
The President disclosed this after a meeting with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, where he was fully briefed on the violent incident that occurred in Worro community.
“I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror. Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, the Federal Government has taken decisive steps to prevent further violence in the area. He revealed that a full Army battalion has been deployed to Kaiama LGA to lead a new military formation under Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at neutralising the attackers and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
“Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro. This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities,” he stated.
President Tinubu described the killings as especially troubling, noting that the victims were targeted because they resisted forced indoctrination by the attackers.
“It is particularly disturbing that the victims were killed because they rejected an attempt at forced indoctrination. As I said, ‘It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.’ Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith,” the President declared.
He further assured that federal and state authorities are working closely to provide immediate relief to the affected community and ensure justice is served.
“I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice, just like other terrorists before them. They will not go scot-free,” Tinubu said.
The President extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the people and government of Kwara State.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State. The Federal Government stands with you. We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror,” he added.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to combating terrorism and preserving national unity, stressing that acts of violence carried out in the name of religion will never be tolerated.