Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed at least 170 people in a prolonged assault on Woro, a remote community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, residents and local leaders have reported.
The attack began on Tuesday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Wednesday, with gunmen setting homes ablaze, shooting residents, and abducting an unspecified number of women and children.
Tragically, the assault came about five months after the terrorist group sent a letter to the district head of Woro, Salihu Umar, notifying him of their intention to visit the community for “preaching.” The district head reportedly forwarded the letter to the Kwara State Emirate Council, which requested military deployment. Soldiers were sent but withdrew after several weeks when no immediate attack occurred.
A community leader, who spoke anonymously, stated that the militants later preached in the neighboring Baburasa community but did not mention Woro—possibly because its leader had alerted authorities.
Residents described scenes of devastation, with homes and shops burned, including the district head’s palace. Mr. Umar remains missing, and his Jeep was reportedly used by the attackers to transport abductees into the forest.
As of Wednesday evening, search teams escorted by military and forest guards were still recovering bodies, with the death toll rising to 170. Many survivors remain in hiding in nearby bushes.
The Kwara State police spokesperson confirmed the attack and said security forces had been deployed but did not provide casualty figures. Army officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Woro massacre reflects an expanding threat from Boko Haram factions, which have recently escalated attacks in Nigeria’s North-central region, including assaults in Niger State where hundreds were abducted in recent months.
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