Shettima visits Kwara after deadly Kaiama attack, assures justice for victims
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday visited Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a brutal attack that claimed the lives of at least 75 residents.
The visit, which was carried out on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was aimed at assessing the situation on the ground and delivering the Federal Government’s condolences to affected families.
According to a statement by the Vice President’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, President Tinubu mandated Shettima to personally convey the government’s sympathy and reassure the community of decisive action.
“The President has directed that the Vice President assess the situation firsthand and convey federal condolences to the grieving families,” Nkwocha said.
Shettima was received on arrival by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other top state officials.
Governor AbdulRazaq described the victims as local Muslims who were “massacred for refusing to submit to extremists preaching a strange doctrine,” noting that earlier reports had put the death toll at over 100.
The attack, which occurred late Tuesday night, was reportedly carried out after militants failed in an attempt to forcibly indoctrinate members of the community.
Nkwocha added that the Vice President also conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance that those responsible for the killings would be brought to justice.
“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 neighbouring Nuku community, describing the assailants’ actions as “cowardly and beastly.”
The President confirmed that an Army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield had been deployed to the area to confront the attackers and protect vulnerable communities.
He also called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to provide relief for victims and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.
