AbdulRazaq orders humanitarian support for terror victims in Kaiama

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has ordered immediate humanitarian support for victims of the recent attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

The directive was issued on Thursday after the governor visited the affected community to commiserate with victims, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar, and residents of the Kaiama Emirate.

AbdulRazaq directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to mobilise relief materials and commence enumeration of affected families to ensure adequate support.

The governor had earlier arrived in Kaiama on Wednesday night, accompanied by the Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Mr Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, security commanders and senior government officials.

He was received by the Emir of Kaiama, the Head of Woro, Alhaji Saliu Umar, and other traditional chiefs.

Briefing journalists after receiving updates from heads of security agencies and community leaders, AbdulRazaq said that no fewer than 75 persons lost their lives, while properties were destroyed during the Tuesday night attack.

The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and announced the immediate deployment of soldiers to the area, following approval by President Bola Tinubu under Operation Savannah Shield.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. We commiserate with His Royal Highness and the people of Kaiama over the loss of lives.

“May Allah grant the victims Al-jannah Firdaus,” AbdulRazaq said at the Emir’s palace.

He described the incident as a “pure massacre,” noting that the victims were attacked for rejecting a strange ideology being propagated by the assailants.

AbdulRazaq commended President Tinubu for the prompt deployment of a battalion of soldiers to the area and assured residents of enhanced security.

“The state emergency services will immediately commence enumeration to ensure proper care and support for the affected families,” he said.

AbdulRasaq added that security challenges in Kwara South had largely been subdued and assured that the Kaiama axis, which extends to Kainji National Park in Niger State, would witness increased military presence.

“In the next one month, the area will be flooded with soldiers, and we are confident that the results will be positive, by the grace of God,” he said.

In his remarks, the Emir of Kaiama said the attackers were followers of a group known as Mahmuda, which he said preached a strange ideology and attacked residents who rejected it.

The Emir appreciated the governor for his swift response and support.

“We are highly moved by Your Excellency’s presence to commiserate with us, despite just returning from a trip.

“What happened in Woro was unfortunate, and we lost many people,” he added.

The Emir expressed confidence that the government’s intervention would restore peace to the area.