The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Saturday received Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima during a condolence visit following the recent terrorist attack in Woro, Kaiama, which claimed at least 75 lives.
Speaking at the Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin, the Vice President described the attack as an unacceptable violation of the people’s right to peacefully practise their faith, adding that the scale of the carnage had shocked Nigerians.
Shettima was accompanied by a high-profile delegation including Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Senators Ali Ndume, Emmanuel Udende, and Ovie Omo-Agege, NEMA Director-General Mrs Zubaida Umar, and Mr Jennifer Adighije, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
They were received by Governor AbdulRazaq alongside Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North), Rep. Mukhtar Tolani Sagaya, Kwara House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, cabinet members, Emir of Kaiama HRH Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, Kaiama LGA Chairman Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, and State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi, among other dignitaries.
Shettima conveyed the sympathy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Governor AbdulRazaq, the people of Kaiama, and all of Kwara State, praying for the deceased to be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State by extension over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026,” he said.
“That tragic killing shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of communities dedicated to building their livelihoods while practising their religion harmoniously, as Islam instructs.”
He added: “The Kaiama and Baruten areas, including the Batonu-speaking parts of Old Borgu that extend into Niger and Kebbi States and even overlap into Benin Republic, have been known for practising a tolerant form of Islam for centuries until an alien religious ideology invaded these communities.”
Shettima said a battalion of the Nigerian Army has been deployed to eliminate threats in Kaiama and surrounding areas, assuring that all hands are on deck to restore peace.
“Security issues are sensitive. We do not have to disclose most of the measures taken by our security establishment. I am here primarily to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara, especially those of Kaiama, over this tragic loss of lives and to reassure them that our prayers and empathy are with you,” he said.
“May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and reward them with Al-Jannah Firdaus. May He also grant their families and the people of Kaiama the strength to bear these irreparable losses.”
The Vice President noted that President Tinubu has instructed the NEMA Director-General to mobilise all available resources in collaboration with the state emergency management agency to support affected communities.
Also Read: Kwara Attack: Nigeria will not Bow to Extremism – President Tinubu
Governor AbdulRazaq praised the President for his swift response, including the immediate deployment of soldiers and police tactical teams to the affected areas.
“We thank the President and Vice President for this visit. We appreciate you coming to Kwara over the sad incident in Woro, Kaiama Local Government. The response of the Federal Government has been very swift, and we are grateful,” he said, noting that he was shocked by the scale of the violence when he visited Woro on Wednesday.
He confirmed that troops of Operation Savannah Shield have already been deployed to prevent a recurrence.
“As you can see, you were welcomed at the airport by the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army. The Police DIG (Operations) is on ground. NEMA representatives have been present since the incident occurred. We greatly appreciate the Federal Government’s response,” he added.
“We will continue to work harder and pray for improved security in Nigeria, and may those committing such evil acts meet their waterloo. We will continue to pray and support our President and Vice President, that God may guide them in governing this nation.”
Speaking on behalf of the Northeastern States, Governor Zulum also expressed sympathy with the people of Kwara and prayed for the departed.
“As Muslims, we believe in destiny and, In-Sha Allah, this will not happen again. Our prayers are with you, and it is our sincere hope that Almighty Allah will forgive the deceased and grant them Janatul Firdaus,” he said.
The Kaiama LGA Chairman, Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, and Emir Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, in separate remarks, thanked President Tinubu for his support and VP Kashim Shettima the visit, while also acknowledging Governor AbdulRazaq’s prompt response and visit to Woro for condolences.