Tinubu Deploys Army to Kwara After Boko Haram Massacre Leaves Village Reeling

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly overnight attack by Boko Haram terrorists.

The assault, reportedly led by Mallam Sadiku, claimed the lives of dozens of residents. Casualty figures remain contested: Kwara State officials say 75 deaths, the Red Cross confirms 162, while local sources estimate up to 170 fatalities.

In a statement late Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the new military command would spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the terrorists and protect defenceless communities.

President Tinubu condemned the “cowardly and beastly attack,” describing the terrorists as “heartless” for targeting villagers who refused to be “conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.” The president commended the victims for rejecting radical Islam being propagated by the terror group and urged federal and state agencies to provide succour to affected families and ensure justice is served.

The attack began around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and continued into early Wednesday morning. Residents said it followed a warning letter sent months earlier by the terrorist group to district head Alhaji Salihu Umar, notifying the community of an upcoming radical preaching. Mr Umar had alerted security agencies at the time, which sources believe may have provoked the deadly retaliation.

Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists set houses ablaze, including the Emir’s palace, abducted women and children, and fled toward Kainji National Park forest after the attack. Police and military tactical units, alongside forest guards and local vigilantes, are currently pursuing the assailants.

The Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction, which relocated to the Kainji forest reserve from Shiroro LGA in Niger State last year, has a history of terror in the region, including mass kidnappings at Papiri Catholic School and attacks in Kasuwan Daji. Sources say the group fled its previous stronghold due to military offensives and internal feuds with notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide.

President Tinubu prayed for the souls of the deceased and condoled with the bereaved families, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to protecting citizens and ending the reign of terror in Kwara South communities.

SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk