“Intelligence Ignored, Lives Lost”: Sowore Slams Security Agencies After Kwara Bloodshed

 Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticised Nigeria’s security agencies over what he described as a catastrophic failure of intelligence and response, following the mass killing of residents in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Sowore accused the police, military and Department of State Services (DSS) of abandoning their core responsibility of protecting lives, while allegedly prioritising the persecution of government critics. His comments come amid reports that at least 162 residents—including men, women and youths—were brutally attacked when armed assailants stormed the community.

Residents of Woro have corroborated Sowore’s claims, revealing that the tragedy was not sudden nor unexpected. According to locals, the village head had earlier alerted security authorities after a terrorist group, identified as “Memuda,” reportedly informed the community of plans to visit under the guise of “preaching.”

Despite what residents described as clear, actionable intelligence, no preventive deployment was made. The police, army and DSS allegedly failed to move in, leaving the village exposed and defenceless when the attackers eventually struck.

“When the violence started, there was no security presence anywhere,” a resident said. “We were left on our own.”

Sowore described the incident as part of a disturbing national pattern, arguing that under the current administration, security institutions are increasingly being used as political tools rather than as shields for ordinary Nigerians.

“Security agencies ignore intelligence that could save lives, yet move swiftly when it comes to silencing dissent,” Sowore said, warning that the consequences of such priorities are being paid for in blood across rural communities.

He further cautioned that without urgent accountability for security lapses, reforms within the police leadership, and an end to what he termed “illegal and incompetent command structures,” attacks like the one in Woro would continue to spread unchecked across the country.

As families in Woro mourn and search for answers, the incident has renewed national debate over intelligence handling, response time, and whether Nigeria’s security architecture is truly designed to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

SOURCE : SaharaReporters