The United States has strongly condemned the deadly assault on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, as reports continue to vary over the number of casualties.
While the Nigerian Police Force reported 75 fatalities, local sources and international observers suggest the death toll could exceed 160, with many residents still unaccounted for.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria described the attacks as “horrific” and extended condolences to the victims’ families.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” the statement read.
The US also welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s prompt directive to deploy security forces to the affected communities and provide aid. “We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice,” it added.
Earlier reactions to the attack also came from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye, highlighting growing international concern.
Following the incident, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the creation of a new military command to oversee the operation. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed tactical and intelligence teams to Kaiama and neighboring communities to restore calm.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the deployment under Operation Savannah Shield would help deter further violence, assuring that security forces were already on the ground.
