Armed bandits have attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing at least 10 residents and setting several houses ablaze.
The attack occurred around 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when gunmen, reportedly numbering about 200, stormed the communities, firing sporadically and causing widespread panic as residents fled for safety.
A community leader confirmed that about 10 people were killed during the assault, while many houses were razed. He disclosed that the attackers, suspected to be hiding in forests within the National Park in Borgu, Niger State, invaded Woro community in large numbers.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved from house to house, setting buildings on fire and forcing residents to abandon their homes. Several villagers were reportedly caught in the crossfire while attempting to escape, while others were killed inside their homes.
Another resident of Kaiama, Idris Mohammed, revealed that six corpses were lying at the palace of the Emir of Woro, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, as of Wednesday morning.
The Kwara State Government confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye. The statement said Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq mourned the victims of the attack and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving counterterrorism operations.
“Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is saddened by the cowardly attack on civilians in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“The Governor condemns the attack, describing it as a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells in response to the ongoing counterterrorism campaigns and the successes recorded so far.
“He noted that the attack appears to be an attempt to distract security forces who have successfully hunted down several terrorist and kidnapping gangs across parts of the state.
“The Governor extends his heartfelt condolences to the Woro and Nuku communities, especially to the families affected by the tragic incident.”
Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Kaiama Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Halidu Danbaba, also confirmed the attack. He appealed to both the state and federal governments to extend the ongoing military operations in Kwara South to Kaiama, particularly as schools are resuming in the affected areas.
