Grief engulfed Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on Wednesday as residents laid to rest 78 people killed in a violent attack that swept through the town earlier in the week.
Among the dead were two children of the village head, a loss that deepened the shock across the agrarian settlement. One of the slain children was said to be a recent graduate of a School of Nursing, having completed studies in 2025.
The attackers, believed to be armed extremists, reportedly stormed Woro around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, firing sporadically as residents fled for safety. Homes and shops were set ablaze, leaving widespread destruction that continued late into the night.
Sources told The Guardian that after killing the village head’s two children, the assailants abducted his wife and remaining children, forcing them into nearby bushes. The attackers were also said to have vandalised vehicles belonging to the traditional ruler before using one to facilitate the abduction.
Funeral prayers were held at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, shortly before Maghrib prayers, as bodies were buried in mass graves. The lawmaker representing Gwanabe/Gwaria constituency, Saidu Baba Ahmed, who attended the rites, confirmed that 75 males and three females were among those buried. He said the burials were conducted in batches due to the number of victims.
In addition to the fatalities, at least 35 residents were reportedly taken hostage and marched into the bush. Search efforts are ongoing amid fears that some missing persons may have been killed.
Security agencies have deployed a joint task force comprising the police, military and National Forest Guards to the area to prevent further attacks and restore calm. A full investigation has also been launched to track down the perpetrators.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRasaq visited Woro alongside senior security officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade. The delegation met with the Emir of Kaiama and families affected by the attack.
In a statement, the police command expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged residents to remain calm while cooperating with security operatives. Authorities also appealed for credible information that could assist ongoing operations, assuring the public that updates would be provided as investigations continue.
Kwara Community Buries 78 After Deadly Attack, Village Head’s Family Among Victims
