“I Was in My Shop When They Arrived; They Shot My Children and Took My Wife Away” – Village Head Recounts Kwara Attack

Fresh details have continued to emerge following the deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State, as survivors recount painful experiences that reveal the human cost of the violence that has shaken the region.

One of the most heartbreaking testimonies came from the head of Woro village, Alhaji Umar Tanko, who described how the attack destroyed his family within minutes. 

Speaking to officials and later quoted in media reports, Tanko narrated that he was attending to his daily business when the attackers suddenly stormed the area.

“I was in my shop when they arrived,” he said. 

“They shot my children and took my second wife away.”

His words reflect the deep trauma now facing many families in the affected communities, where survivors say the attack happened quickly and without warning, leaving little time for people to escape or seek safety.

According to reports, armed militants invaded the communities, attacking residents and setting off a wave of panic. 

Many villagers fled into surrounding areas, while others were trapped in their homes or businesses as the violence unfolded.

Local authorities and community leaders say the death toll is feared to be very high, with several families losing loved ones and others still searching for missing relatives. Some residents have also been displaced, abandoning their homes out of fear of further attacks.

The assault has been linked to an extremist group believed to be operating in parts of north-central Nigeria. Security analysts say such groups often target rural communities, where security presence may be limited and residents are more vulnerable.

Officials in Kwara State have confirmed dozens of deaths, although community sources believe the number may be higher. 

Reports of mass burials have further highlighted the scale of the tragedy and the urgency of humanitarian support for affected families.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the incident as deeply tragic and assured residents that security agencies were working to restore order and prevent further attacks. 

Authorities have also called on citizens to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to security forces.

At the federal level, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly authorized the deployment of additional troops to the area as part of a military operation aimed at stabilizing affected communities and pursuing those responsible for the attack. 

The operation is expected to involve increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and cooperation with local leaders.

The incident has also sparked strong reactions from political leaders and civil society groups. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki described the killings as a national tragedy and called for a coordinated response to address insecurity across the country.

Opposition parties have likewise urged the government to strengthen preventive measures, arguing that communities should not have to wait for attacks before security interventions are intensified.

Security experts say the situation in several parts of Nigeria requires a combination of strategies, including improved intelligence, community engagement, economic support, and long-term efforts to address the root causes of violence. 

They note that while military deployments can help restore calm, lasting peace often depends on broader social and economic solutions.

For survivors like Alhaji Umar Tanko, however, the focus remains on coping with personal loss and uncertainty. 

Many families are mourning loved ones, caring for the injured, or hoping for the safe return of relatives who were abducted.

Community leaders and religious organizations have begun organizing prayers and support initiatives to help affected families, while humanitarian groups are assessing urgent needs such as food, shelter, and medical care.