By Ayo Kehinde
The United States has strongly condemned the recent horrific attacks in Kwara State, which claimed over 160 lives, leaving many others unaccounted for.
In a statement issued on Friday, Washington expressed its deepest condolences to the families affected, describing the incident as a “tragic and devastating loss of life.”
The US welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s immediate response, including the deployment of security forces to protect vulnerable villages in the affected areas and directives for federal and state authorities to provide humanitarian assistance and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The United States stands with the people of Nigeria in this difficult time and urges all efforts to safeguard civilians and restore security”, the statement read.
At least 75 residents were killed, and several homes destroyed, during terrorist attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kaiama Local Government Area earlier this week.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his Chief Press Secretary Rauf Ajakaye, described the victims as moderate Muslims who were targeted for refusing to surrender to extremists preaching a distorted form of Islam.
Speaking at the Government House, AbdulRazaq said, “From the information we’ve been getting, this village refused to succumb to a perverted form of Islamic doctrine. They aligned under the emirate, abiding by the Islamic faith. They didn’t want an alteration to how they pray to God, how they pray to Allah. Because they refused a change in the doctrine, they were attacked and massacred.”
The governor emphasised that the attacks were a “pure massacre” rather than the typical kidnappings for ransom, calling for nationwide condemnation.
Following the attacks, President Tinubu ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to the affected areas. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the new military command would lead Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and safeguarding communities. Onanuga described the assailants as “heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror.”
The US reaffirmed its support for Nigeria in these challenging times and urged continued efforts to protect civilians and restore security across the affected regions.
