US condemns Kwara killings, hails Tinubu’s rapid security response

The United States has condemned the deadly attack on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the violence as horrific and expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s swift security response.

Armed bandits reportedly attacked Woro and Nuku communities on February 3, 2026, killing over 170 villagers and setting homes on fire. The massacre has sparked widespread outrage within Nigeria and drawn strong reactions from the international community.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, the United States Mission in Nigeria said more than 160 people were feared dead, with several others still unaccounted for.

“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State, Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for,” the mission said.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence.”

The US Mission also welcomed President Tinubu’s directive for the immediate deployment of security forces to the affected areas, as well as his order for humanitarian assistance to victims.

“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,” the statement added.

The reaction from Washington adds to growing international condemnation of the attack, which has also drawn strong rebukes from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye.

Following the assault, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the establishment of a new military command to coordinate operations in the area.

Similarly, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units to Kaiama and surrounding communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield would help deter further violence, adding that security personnel were already on the ground to stabilize the affected communities.