The Southern Governors’ Forum has reacted with shock, grief, and outrage following the deadly Kwara terror attack that ravaged Woro and Nuku villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving at least 162 people dead and several others missing.
The attack, which occurred on February 3, has been described by the forum as one of the most horrifying episodes of terrorist violence in recent times, targeting innocent rural communities and plunging the state into mourning.
The incident has not only devastated families and livelihoods but has also renewed national concerns over the spread of extremist violence beyond Nigeria’s traditional conflict zones.
According to multiple reports, armed militants believed to be members of the Islamist sect Lakurawa stormed the two villages in a coordinated assault.
The group is suspected to have operational ties with the Boko Haram terrorist network, raising fresh alarms about the expansion of jihadist cells into parts of North-Central Nigeria.
During the Kwara terror attack, residents were reportedly caught off guard as gunmen unleashed violence, killing scores of villagers and setting houses and shops on fire.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers moved from house to house, leaving a trail of destruction.
Entire communities were displaced as survivors fled into nearby forests and towns for safety.
In addition to the large number of casualties, several villagers were allegedly abducted, further compounding the humanitarian crisis created by the assault.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, issued a strongly worded statement from Abeokuta condemning the killings.
He described the Kwara terror attack as a barbaric and senseless act of violence against peaceful Nigerians who posed no threat to anyone.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that the victims were law-abiding citizens engaged in their daily activities when they were brutally murdered.
He noted that such acts of terror undermine the core values of humanity, coexistence, and national unity, adding that no cause, ideology, or belief system could justify the mass killing of innocent people.
The Ogun State governor further disclosed that the victims were allegedly targeted for refusing to submit to the imposition of Sharia law by the attackers.
He described this as an unacceptable violation of Nigeria’s constitutional order, stressing that the country remains a secular state founded on freedom of religion and mutual respect among diverse groups.
According to Abiodun, violent extremism and religious coercion represent a direct threat to Nigeria’s stability and must be confronted decisively.
He warned that allowing such groups to operate freely would only embolden them to carry out more attacks similar to the Kwara terror attack, thereby endangering more communities.
On behalf of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Abiodun extended heartfelt condolences to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the state government, and families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
He described the incident as a painful national loss that transcends regional boundaries and calls for collective action.
The forum urged Nigeria’s security agencies to immediately intensify operations in the affected areas and across neighboring states.
Abiodun insisted that the perpetrators must be identified, tracked, and brought to justice without delay, warning that failure to do so would send the wrong signal to terrorist groups.
“This kind of senseless violence must be stopped. Those behind this atrocity must not be allowed to escape justice. They must be hunted down and dealt with according to the law,” he said.
Beyond condemnation, the Kwara terror attack has reignited calls for stronger intelligence sharing, improved inter-agency coordination, and better protection for rural communities that often remain vulnerable to armed attacks.
Security analysts have warned that extremist groups increasingly exploit remote settlements where security presence is minimal.
Community leaders and civil society groups have also urged the federal government to adopt a more proactive approach to counterterrorism, including early warning systems, community policing, and increased military surveillance in flashpoint areas.
As investigations continue, the Southern Governors’ Forum expressed hope that justice would be served swiftly and that concrete measures would be taken to prevent further bloodshed.
The forum stressed that protecting lives remains the primary responsibility of government at all levels.
The tragedy in Kwara stands as a grim reminder that terrorism remains a national challenge requiring unity, resolve, and decisive leadership.
For many Nigerians, the memory of the Kwara terror attack will linger as a symbol of the urgent need to end the cycle of violence threatening the country’s peace and stability.
Ireport247news
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