- The pastor said many residents have since refused to return to Woro because of fear that the attackers could strike again
- He explained that residents fled without direction as the attackers continued shooting for several hours
- He disclosed that nine worshippers from the church were killed during the attack
Nearly four months after armed men attacked Woro community in Kwara State, the pastor of Divine Evangelical Mission Church, Adesoji Dada Aderemi, has recounted the terrifying events that left worshippers dead, homes deserted and survivors traumatised.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the cleric said the assault occurred during an evening Bible study on February 3, 2026, when gunmen invaded the area and opened fire on residents and church members.
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According to Aderemi, what began as a peaceful worship gathering quickly turned into panic and bloodshed as gunshots echoed through the church premises and surrounding community.
He recalled that members of the congregation were forced to flee through windows and nearby escape routes as confusion spread among worshippers.
The pastor described the scene as devastating, saying several members of the church were shot during the attack while others disappeared into nearby forests in search of safety.
He explained that residents fled without direction as the attackers continued shooting for several hours, adding that many villagers spent the night hiding in bushes and on trees to avoid being discovered.
Aderemi said he personally climbed a tree and remained there until morning while gunfire and destruction continued across the community through the night.
By dawn, according to him, the extent of the tragedy had become visible, with bodies lying across parts of the village, including several victims from his church congregation.
He disclosed that nine worshippers from the church were killed during the attack.
The pastor said many residents have since refused to return to Woro because of fear that the attackers could strike again.
He added that survivors continue to battle emotional trauma and uncertainty, especially as security concerns persist across the area.
Aderemi lamented that the attack shattered the once peaceful atmosphere of the community, forcing families apart and leaving many displaced.
The cleric also revealed that the incident came shortly after the death of his wife, making the experience even more painful for him emotionally.
He said life in the community had been stable before the attack, with residents carrying on normal activities until armed men suddenly invaded the area.
According to him, children, women and elderly residents struggled to escape during the chaos, abandoning personal belongings while running into the forest for safety.
The attack has renewed concerns over worsening insecurity across parts of North-Central Nigeria, particularly within forest corridors linking Kwara, Niger and Kogi states.
Several communities in the region have recorded repeated attacks, kidnappings and killings in recent months, raising fresh concerns among residents and security experts.
Aderemi said survivors now live in constant fear, noting that unfamiliar sounds often remind them of the night the community came under attack.
He added that many displaced families are still struggling to recover from the psychological and emotional effects of the invasion.
