Shettima condoles Kwara, assures of FG support
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday paid a condolence visit to Kwara State following the recent attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, in which at least 75 people were killed. Shettima, who was received by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin, described the attack as an […]
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday paid a condolence visit to Kwara State following the recent attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, in which at least 75 people were killed.
Shettima, who was received by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin, described the attack as an unacceptable violation of citizens’ right to peaceful worship, saying the scale of the violence had shocked Nigerians.
“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State by extension over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026,” the Vice President was quoted as saying in a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRazaq.
“That tragic killing shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of communities who were dedicated to their livelihoods while practising their religion in a peaceful and harmonious manner.”
Shettima noted that Kaiama, Baruten and other parts of Old Borgu had historically been known for religious tolerance, adding that the recent violence was alien to the culture and traditions of the area.
He disclosed that a battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to Kaiama and surrounding communities, alongside other security measures, to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
“Security issues are sensitive, and we do not have to divulge all actions taken by our security agencies,” he said. “But I am here fundamentally to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara, and to reassure you that our prayers and empathy are with you.”
The Vice President also said President Tinubu had directed the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency to mobilise resources, in collaboration with the state emergency management agency, to support the affected communities.
Governor AbdulRazaq thanked the President and Vice President for what he described as a swift and reassuring federal response to the incident, including the immediate deployment of security forces.
“We appreciate the President and the Vice President for this visit and for standing with us over the sad incident that happened in Woro, Kaiama Local Government,” AbdulRazaq said. “The response of the Federal Government has been very swift, and we are grateful.”
The governor said he was deeply troubled by the scale of the violence when he visited Woro earlier in the week, confirming that troops under Operation Savannah Shield were already being deployed to forestall a recurrence.
“As you can see, the General Officer Commanding the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army received you at the airport this morning. The Police DIG (Operations) is on ground, and representatives of NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the North-East states, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum also expressed sympathy with the people of Kwara State.
“As Muslims, we believe in destiny, and In-Sha Allahu, this will not happen again,” Zulum said. “Our prayers are with you, and we ask Almighty Allah to forgive the departed souls and grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus.”
The Vice President was accompanied by several senators and senior government officials, while traditional rulers and local government officials from Kaiama also attended the meeting.
The Emir of Kaiama and the chairman of Kaiama Local Government thanked the President and Vice President for their support and commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his prompt response to the incident.