Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday visited Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly attack that reportedly killed 75 residents.
The visit, according to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, was carried out on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess the situation firsthand and deliver the Federal Government’s condolences to the affected families.
“The President has directed that the Vice President assess the situation firsthand and convey federal condolences to the grieving families,” Nkwocha stated.
Shettima was received on arrival by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other top state officials.
Governor AbdulRazaq had earlier described the victims as local Muslims who were “massacred for refusing to submit to extremists preaching a strange doctrine.” Initial reports had put the death toll at over 100 before later confirmations indicated 75 fatalities.
Reports indicate that the attack occurred on Tuesday night after members of the community reportedly resisted attempts by militants to forcibly indoctrinate them.
Nkwocha also disclosed that the Vice President conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance that the Federal Government would pursue justice for the victims.
“VP Shettima is conveying President Tinubu’s strong assurances that the Federal Government will not relent until those responsible are tracked, apprehended, and brought to justice,” he said.
President Tinubu had earlier condemned the attacks on Woro and nearby Nuku communities, describing the perpetrators’ actions as “cowardly and beastly.” He confirmed that military operations had commenced, including the deployment of an Army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield to secure the area and protect vulnerable communities.
The President further called for strengthened collaboration between federal and state authorities to provide relief for victims and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
