Manny Ita –
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State following the massacre of at least 162 people in the villages of Woro and Nuku. The newly established military command is mandated to spearhead “Operation Savannah Shield,” an intensive offensive designed to neutralize terrorist elements believed to belong to the Lakurawa group or a Boko Haram faction. Describing the assault as a “cowardly and beastly” act, the President condemned the attackers as “heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror.” The Presidency further expressed profound outrage that the victims were targeted specifically for rejecting extremist ideologies, with the President noting, “It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.”
Fresh investigative details have emerged from survivors and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, indicating that the tragedy may have been a result of a massive intelligence failure. Reports suggest that the militants had been distributing warning pamphlets and letters to the communities for several months, with the most recent threats delivered just two weeks prior to the Tuesday evening attack. According to residents, the gunmen invaded the villages around 6:00 PM, burning the traditional ruler’s palace and numerous shops while rounding up villagers to be killed at close range. Amnesty International has characterized the event as evidence of “systemic neglect,” asserting that the local authorities failed to act despite clear signals of a “deliberate campaign of intimidation and control.”
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed on Thursday that the Field Commander for Operation Savannah Shield has already arrived in Ilorin to begin immediate ground engagements. The Governor, speaking after a briefing with the President at the State House, expressed confidence that the specialized operation would stabilize the North-Central axis. “Mr. President has directed the armed forces to move in and to clean up the place and make sure peace and calm is restored,” the Governor stated, adding that the military is expected to “hit the ground running” to deter further incursions. The Federal Government has also ordered a coordinated effort between federal and state agencies to provide relief to the displaced survivors and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
