The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed profound shock and deep sorrow over the tragic loss of innocent lives following recent terrorist attacks on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
It described the incident as a grievous assault on peace and security.
In a statement, the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) commends the indomitable Nigerian spirit exhibited by various Nigerian communities that have been targeted by terrorists.
Major General Uba said “this remarkable spirit was again exhibited by the resilient people of Woro and neighbouring communities who stood firm against violent coercion and refused to abandon their way of life and constitutional loyalty despite threats”.
According to him, the AFN mourns with the families of those who have lost loved ones in these and other similar brutal attacks on defenceless citizens defending community values and freedom across Nigeria.
He noted that it will be recalled that terrorists entered Woro village of Kaiama Local government of Kwara state with a request to conduct a preaching and indoctrination session in the village which was outrightly rejected by the villagers.
The military was informed and promptly troops were despatched to dominate the general areas with robust patrols and surveillance among other security measures for about two weeks.
The terrorists however, returned weeks after to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others.
The DHQ urges citizens to remain steadfast in their faith in the Nigerian Constitution, their individual beliefs and to uphold the shared values that bind our nation together.
“The unity and resilience of the Nigerian people are our greatest defence against those who seek to destroy our peace and stability,” DHQ said
The DHQ calls on all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional identity to resist any form of ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups.
“These groups seek to impose their twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation”, he added.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians and calls for enhanced cooperation between citizens and security agencies to protect our communities, our individual freedom and our nation’s democratic ideals.
Meanwhile, efforts will continue to be intensified by the military in conjunction with other security agencies towards finding and bringing to account those responsible for the dastardly attack and indeed all terrorists in the country.