After Night of Gunfire, Kwara Community Left Empty as Residents Flee

Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has been largely abandoned after an evening attack by armed men left dozens dead, many abducted, and homes destroyed. Survivors have scattered to nearby towns and bushes, unwilling to return despite the presence of security personnel deployed after the incident.

Residents said the attackers arrived on motorcycles around 6:30 pm on Tuesday, moving in from multiple directions and firing as people tried to escape. Witnesses said the gunmen blocked exit routes, forcing many to surrender. Those captured were reportedly taken to the palace of the village head, where their hands were tied before they were shot. Others were locked inside shops and houses that were then set ablaze.

The village head, Malam Umar Bio, has relocated to Kaiama town. Two of his children were killed in the attack, while his wife, mother, and three children are still missing. A relative said he remains in deep shock and is unable to speak publicly.

The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar, said the attackers initially told residents they had come to preach, prompting people to gather before gunfire erupted. He confirmed that at least 75 bodies were counted in the immediate aftermath, adding that the number has risen as families conducted private burials. He said women and children were taken into the surrounding forest and called for a sustained security operation in the area, which borders a national park.

Survivors said there had been prior warnings of a possible attack. Soldiers had patrolled the area days earlier, but there was no security presence when the gunmen struck. Some of the wounded were later taken to hospitals in Ilorin, where they are receiving treatment for gunshot injuries. Witnesses said several victims died before help arrived.

Accounts of the death toll vary. A member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed, who attended funeral prayers on Wednesday evening, said 78 bodies — 75 males and three females — were recovered and buried in batches. He added that at least 35 women were abducted. Other community members estimated the number of deaths at more than 80, while some said many bodies may still be in surrounding bushes.

Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Danladi, said the scale and precision of the attack suggested the gunmen had local informants. He said they went directly to the palace, took vehicle keys, and used the vehicles to transport abducted residents into the bush.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited the area and described the incident as barbaric. He directed the State Emergency Management Agency to provide support to affected families and confirmed the deployment of soldiers under Operation Savannah Shield, approved by President Bola Tinubu, to strengthen security in the area.

The Kwara State Police Command said a joint team of police officers, military personnel, and forest guards has been deployed to restore order and prevent further attacks. Police spokesperson Toun Ejire-Adeyemi said a full investigation is underway, adding that preliminary findings indicate the attackers opened fire on residents and set buildings ablaze.

A seven-member committee has been set up by the state government to assess the needs of survivors and coordinate rebuilding efforts. The committee is expected to work with community leaders over the next four weeks to recommend support measures.

For now, Woro remains quiet. Houses are empty, shops are shut, and families are scattered as residents wait for assurances that it is safe to return.