- “The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State, Nigeria, which reportedly claimed over 160 lives
- Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield were already on the ground
- The US reaction joins earlier condemnations from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye
International concern has followed the violent assault on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, with the United States openly denouncing the killings as reports of the casualty figure continue to differ.
Although the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that 75 people lost their lives during the attacks on Woro and Nuku communities, accounts from residents and foreign observers suggest the toll may be far higher, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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Reacting on Friday via a post on X, the United States Mission in Nigeria described the incident as “horrific,” stating that more than 160 people were feared dead, while several others remained missing.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State, Nigeria, which reportedly claimed over 160 lives, with the exact number of casualties yet to be confirmed and many persons still unaccounted for,” the mission said. It extended condolences to families affected by what it described as senseless violence.
The US Mission also expressed support for steps taken by President Bola Tinubu, including the deployment of security personnel to safeguard the affected villages and the provision of humanitarian assistance.
“We welcome President Tinubu’s decision to deploy security forces to protect communities in the area, as well as his directive to ensure support for victims and to hold those responsible for this atrocity accountable,” the statement added.
The US reaction joins earlier condemnations from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye, further amplifying global outrage over the attack.
In response to the incident, President Tinubu approved the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and authorised the establishment of a new military command to oversee security operations in the area.
Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units to Kaiama and neighbouring communities to restore order and prevent further violence.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield were already on the ground, expressing confidence that the increased security presence would help curb further attacks.
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