US Condemns Kwara Attack as Death Toll Disputed

The United States has condemned the deadly attack on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, as conflicting casualty figures continue to emerge from the incident that has drawn national and international outrage.

While the Nigerian Police Force confirmed that at least 75 people were killed in the assault on Woro and Nuku communities, local accounts and international observers have reported a significantly higher death toll.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria described the attack as “horrific,” saying more than 160 people were feared dead, with many residents still unaccounted for.

“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for,” the statement said, expressing condolences to the affected families.

The US Mission also welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the deployment of security forces to the affected areas, as well as efforts to provide humanitarian support and bring those responsible to justice.

“We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice,” the statement added.

The attack has continued to attract global condemnation, following earlier reactions from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye, both of which denounced the killings and called for accountability.

In response to the incident, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the establishment of a new military command to oversee security operations in the area.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also directed the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units to Kaiama and neighbouring communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said troops deployed under Operation Savannah Shield were already on the ground and would help deter further violence in the affected communities.