- Military personnel and forest guards took full control of Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State after deadly bandit attacks
- The Kwara State government described the assault as a cowardly act by terrorist cells reacting to ongoing counterterrorism successes
- Fresh violence also erupted in Benue State, where bandits attacked a border community, killing civilians and a police officer
Military personnel and Forest Guards have taken full control of Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the deadly bandit attacks that left scores of residents dead and many others displaced. Credible sources within the local government confirmed on Wednesday morning that security forces had moved into the villages to prevent further violence and restore order.
“Soldiers and forest guards have taken over the two communities. It is a very sad development, especially at a time we thought we were enjoying peace from past bandit attacks,” a resident said.
Investigations revealed that the attackers had earlier been moving around neighbouring villages in Niger State, spreading extremist messages, before infiltrating Woro and Nuku in Kaiama Local Government Area. The pattern has heightened concerns about cross-border movements of armed groups and the vulnerability of rural communities.
The Kwara State Government, through a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, confirmed the attack and expressed the governor’s deep sorrow over the incident. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the assault as a cowardly act by terrorist cells seeking to undermine ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the state.
“The Governor condemns the attack, describing it as a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells following ongoing counterterrorism campaigns and the successes so far recorded,” the statement said. It added that the attack appeared to be an attempt to distract security forces who had recently dismantled several terrorist and kidnapping networks across parts of the state.
The Nigerian Army had earlier deployed troops, including units from Operation Fansan Yamma and Operation Whirl Stroke, to strengthen security across forested and rural areas of Kwara State. The operations are aimed at arresting suspects, rescuing abducted victims, recovering arms and dismantling criminal networks before they establish new bases.
Meanwhile, violence also erupted in Benue State, where suspected bandits attacked Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area, killing several people, including a mobile police officer. The attack occurred on Tuesday during a market day near the Cameroon border, causing panic as assailants opened fire, looted stalls and set parts of the market ablaze.
Casualty figures remained disputed. While a former councillor claimed about 17 people were killed, traditional ruler Ter Kwande, His Royal Majesty Timothy Ayile, said six community members and one police officer died. The Benue State Police Command confirmed five fatalities, including a police officer.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as “an assault on our shared humanity”, and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He directed security agencies to intensify operations and restore safety to the affected communities.
The twin attacks in Kwara and Benue have renewed national concerns over the spread of banditry and extremist violence across north-central Nigeria, with growing calls for stronger border security, sustained military presence and coordinated federal action to protect vulnerable communities.