The United Nations, the United States, and Türkiye have issued strong condemnations following a devastating attack on communities in Nigeria’s Kwara State this week.
Gunmen struck the Woro and Nuku communities on Tuesday, leaving scores dead, shops and a local leader’s residence burned, and forcing residents to flee.
While local authorities have confirmed the burial of at least 75 victims, some reports indicate a significantly higher casualty figure, with numbers still unconfirmed.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated on social media platform X: “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 3 February in Kwara State, Nigeria. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims & to the people & government of Nigeria. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The United States Mission in Nigeria expressed its condemnation, noting the attack “claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.”
The mission extended its “deepest condolences” and welcomed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces and provide aid to the affected communities.
Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “deeply saddened” by the “heinous attack,” extending condolences to Nigeria and reaffirming its continued support for the country’s fight against terrorism.
In response to the violence, Nigerian authorities have launched a significant security operation.
The Inspector-General of Police has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence assets to the Kaiama Local Government Area.
President Tinubu has also directed the deployment of an army battalion to reinforce security under ‘Operation Savannah Shield.’
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq described the incident as a “pure massacre.”
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from domestic political groups as well, with the Northern States Governors’ Forum and a faction of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) labelling the killings as barbaric and a sign of deteriorating security in the region.
The Nigerian Police Force confirmed that a manhunt for the perpetrators is underway.
