Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday visited Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly attack that claimed the lives of at least 75 residents.
The visit was carried out on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a statement issued by the Vice President’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha. He said the President mandated Shettima to assess the situation firsthand and convey the Federal Government’s condolences to the affected families.
“The President has directed that the Vice President assess the situation firsthand and convey federal condolences to the grieving families,” Nkwocha stated.
Shettima was received on arrival by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, alongside other top state government officials.
Governor AbdulRazaq earlier described the victims as local Muslims who were “massacred for refusing to submit to extremists preaching a strange doctrine.” Initial reports had put the death toll at over 100, though official figures later confirmed 75 fatalities.
The attack reportedly occurred on Tuesday night after militants attempted to forcibly indoctrinate members of the community, an effort that was resisted by the villagers.
Nkwocha also revealed that the Vice President conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance that justice would be served. “VP Shettima is conveying President Tinubu’s strong assurances that the Federal Government will not relent until those responsible are tracked, apprehended, and brought to justice,” he said.
President Tinubu had earlier condemned the attacks on Woro and nearby Nuku communities, describing the assailants’ actions as “cowardly and beastly.” He confirmed that military operations were already underway, including the deployment of an Army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield to apprehend the perpetrators and protect vulnerable communities.
The President also called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to provide relief to victims and ensure that those responsible for the attacks
are held accountable.
