- The governor praised the president for promptly deploying a battalion of soldiers to the region
- Hundeyin said that an intensive manhunt had been launched to apprehend the perpetrators and their collaborators
- Kayode Egbetokun, also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to the affected communities
President Bola Tinubu convened an urgent security meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday following the horrific killings of residents in Kaiama Local Government Area, an attack that has drawn widespread condemnation both nationally and internationally.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the United Nations and Türkiye condemned the violence, while northern senators demanded a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security system.
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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to the affected communities.
Government sources confirmed that at least 75 people lost their lives in the attack, prompting renewed calls for an expansion of Nigeria’s security forces, increased intelligence capacity, and stronger federal intervention. Lawmakers warned that the escalating insecurity in rural areas threatens national stability.
The Northern Senators Forum urged the federal government to recruit additional security personnel and enhance operational capabilities to address the rising wave of violent attacks across the country.
Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua expressed condolences to affected states and communities, noting that the recent assaults in Kwara, Katsina, and Benue had claimed over 130 lives collectively.
“While we recognize the ongoing efforts of security agencies, the Federal Government must urgently bolster personnel recruitment and operational capacity to curb these threats,” Yar’Adua said. “These tragic incidents are a stark reminder of the insecurity plaguing our nation.”
The police confirmed the deaths in a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin. “The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the violent attack that occurred on February 3, 2026, in Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, which resulted in the death of 75 persons,” Hundeyin said. He added that an intensive manhunt had been launched to apprehend the perpetrators and their collaborators.
Governor AbdulRazaq briefed journalists in Abuja following his closed-door meeting with President Tinubu, stating that the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield would help deter further attacks. “The force commander has reported in Kwara and is actively taking measures to secure the area,” he said.
The governor also visited the affected communities, consoling victims, local leaders, and the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar. He praised the president for promptly deploying a battalion of soldiers to the region, emphasizing that security efforts will extend to neighboring areas, including Kainji Park in Niger State.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas condemned the attacks in Kwara and Benue, calling for coordinated action by all stakeholders to restore public confidence in national security.
“The socio-economic impact of insecurity is immeasurable, and both the government and the governed must collaborate to face our common enemies,” Abbas said. He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue supporting the president to equip security agencies with the necessary resources to tackle insecurity.
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