“They Came to Preach, Then They K!!!3d Us” – Kwara Attack Survivors Recount Experience

• At least 75 people were k!!!ed and dozens abducted after jihadist militants attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State.
• Survivors say the attackers posed as preachers before launching a night-long massacre. Troops have now been deployed to the area.

Survivors of a deadly jihadist attack on the communities of Woro and Nuku in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have recounted how militants k!!!ed dozens of residents and abducted many others in a night-long assault.

According to residents, the attackers arrived under the guise of religious preaching after earlier sending letters requesting permission to spread their beliefs. When the community rejected the request, the militants launched a violent attack.

One survivor, Abdulla Umar Usman, said the attackers stormed the villages in large numbers and began killing people indiscriminately. He explained that the extremists claimed to be acting in the name of religion.

The militants reportedly targeted the home of the traditional ruler, Umar Bio Salihu. Although he was not at home, two of his children—both medical students—were k!!!ed, and the house was set on fire. Salihu later confirmed that his wife and three children were abducted during the attack.

Local officials said the k!!!ing lasted throughout the night. Amnesty International reported that many victims were found with their hands and feet tied, while others were shot or had their throats slit.

Residents said the attackers tried to force the communities to reject Nigeria’s constitution and government and adopt their extremist ideology, which local leaders described as contrary to Islamic teachings.

Despite earlier warnings and letters sent to authorities, residents said security forces did not prevent the attack. Human rights groups have criticised what they described as a serious security lapse.

Following the attack, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of an army battalion to the affected area. Security officials believe the attackers may have come from forest areas near Kainji Lake National Park.