The United States has strongly condemned the deadly attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the killings as “horrific” amid rising grief, anger and uncertainty.
The tragedy has been compounded by conflicting casualty figures. While the Nigeria Police Force placed the death toll at 75, local sources and international observers suggest the number is significantly higher.
The Red Cross says at least 162 people may have been killed, with several others still missing, according to Daily Sun.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria said it was deeply disturbed by the scale of the violence, noting that the full extent of the losses was yet to be established.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State, 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 and communities affected by this senseless violence.”
Washington also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s response, welcoming his directive for the immediate deployment of security forces to the affected communities.
“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 US condemnation echoes similar reactions from the United Nations, the African Union and the Republic of Türkiye, all of which have called for accountability and stronger protection for vulnerable communities.
In response to the attack, President Tinubu approved the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and authorised the establishment of a new military command to coordinate operations in the area. According to the Presidency, the measures are aimed at restoring calm and preventing further bloodshed.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units to Kaiama and neighbouring communities as security agencies intensify efforts to track down those responsible.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said troops under Operation Savannah Shield had already been deployed, assuring residents that the state government was working closely with federal authorities to avert a recurrence.
For survivors, however, the wounds remain raw. Entire communities lie devastated, homes have been reduced to ashes, and families continue to search for missing loved ones.
As Nigeria once again grapples with mass killings, the Kwara tragedy has reignited national and international concern over rural security and the urgent need to ensure that perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice.
