- While early accounts put the death toll above 100, official figures later confirmed at least 75 fatalities
- According to the President, an Army battalion has been deployed under Operation Savannah Shield to secure vulnerable communities
- He also stressed the need for stronger coordination between federal and state authorities
Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was in Kwara State on Saturday as part of a federal response to the violent assault on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area that claimed the lives of dozens of residents.
A statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, explained that the visit was ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who asked the vice president to personally evaluate the situation and deliver the Federal Government’s condolences to affected families, Eko Hot Blog reports.
EDITOR’S PICK
- ADC Requests INEC to Postpone FCT Area Council Elections
- Tope Alabi Welcomes Grandchild
- CBN to Introduce New Policy to Regulate Debit Card Issuance, ATM Operations
“Shettima is in Kwara State on the President’s instruction to assess the tragedy firsthand and sympathise with the bereaved,” Nkwocha said.
On arrival, the vice president was welcomed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq alongside top state officials.
Governor AbdulRazaq had earlier said the victims were members of the local Muslim community who were killed for resisting extremist elements pushing what he described as an alien ideology.
While early accounts put the death toll above 100, official figures later confirmed at least 75 fatalities.
Reports indicate that the deadly incident, which happened on Tuesday night, followed the community’s refusal to accept forced indoctrination by the attackers.
Nkwocha further disclosed that the vice president conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance that those behind the attack would be held accountable.
“The vice president is passing along President Tinubu’s firm commitment that the Federal Government will pursue the perpetrators relentlessly until they are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” he said.
President Tinubu had earlier condemned the violence in Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities, describing the killings as inhumane and reprehensible. He also confirmed that security forces had begun operations to track down those responsible.
According to the President, an Army battalion has been deployed under Operation Savannah Shield to secure vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
He also stressed the need for stronger coordination between federal and state authorities, both to support victims and to ensure justice is served.
FURTHER READING
