Islamic Extremists Responsible for Kaiama Killings, Says Kwara Governor

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has attributed the recent mass killings in Kaiama Local Government Area to Islamic extremists.

At least 75 residents were killed and several homes destroyed in attacks on Nuku and Woro communities earlier this week. Police said the assault began around 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Governor AbdulRazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Rauf Ajakaye, told TheCable that the victims were moderate Muslims targeted for resisting extremist teachings. Speaking to religious and security leaders at the Government House, the governor said the attacks were carried out because the communities refused to adopt “a perverted form of Islamic doctrine.”

“They aligned under the emirate, abiding by the Islamic faith,” AbdulRazaq said. “Because they refused a change in the doctrine, they were attacked and massacred. This was not a kidnapping for ransom, but a deliberate massacre.”

In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the area. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the new military command will lead Operation Savannah Shield to confront the extremists and protect vulnerable communities. The President described the attack as “cowardly and beastly,” condemning the perpetrators for targeting civilians.