The United States has strongly condemned the deadly assault on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, pledging support for Nigeria’s ongoing security response as uncertainty surrounds the true number of casualties.
Conflicting figures have emerged in the aftermath of the attack on Woro and Nuku communities. While the Nigerian Police Force confirmed 75 fatalities, local residents and international observers estimate the death toll to be far higher.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria described the incident as “horrific,” noting that more than 160 people were feared dead, with several others still missing.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for,” the statement said. “We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence.”
The US also welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deploy additional security forces to the affected areas and his instruction for federal and state authorities to provide humanitarian assistance and pursue those responsible.
“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 mission added.
The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation, including reactions from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye.
Following the incident, President Tinubu approved the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and authorized the establishment of a new military command to oversee operations in the area. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield had already been deployed, expressing confidence that the heightened security presence would deter further attacks.
