The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Saturday welcomed Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shetima, on a condolence visit following the recent terrorist attack in Woro, Kaiama, which claimed at least 75 lives.
Addressing dignitaries at the Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin, Vice President Shetima described the attack as an intolerable violation of the people’s right to practice their faith peacefully, noting that the scale of the carnage had shocked Nigerians.
He was accompanied by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; Senators Ali Ndume, Emmanuel Udende, and Ovie Omo-Agege; Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar; and Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Engr Jennifer Adighije.
Governor AbdulRazaq received the delegation alongside Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North), Representative Mukhtar Tolani Sagaya, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, cabinet members, the Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, Kaiama Local Government Chairman Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, and State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi, among others.
Shetima conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences to Governor AbdulRazaq, the people of Kaiama, and Kwara State, praying for the deceased to be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“Your Excellency, we are here on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend our condolences to you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State over the tragedy that struck Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, 3 February 2026,” he said.
“The killing was deeply shocking because the victims were peaceful community members, devoted to their livelihoods and practising their faith harmoniously, in accordance with Islamic teachings. The Kaiama and Baruten areas, and even parts of Old Borgu spanning Niger and Kebbi States and neighbouring Benin Republic, have long been known for practising a tolerant form of Islam. Yet an alien ideology, foreign to our history and tradition, has disrupted these communities.”
The Vice President added that a battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to eliminate threats in Kaiama and restore peace. “Security matters are sensitive, and not all operations can be disclosed publicly. I am here primarily to sympathise with the government and people of Kwara, especially those in Kaiama, over this tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” he said.
He further noted that President Tinubu had directed NEMA to mobilise resources in collaboration with the state’s emergency management agency to assist affected communities.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended the swift response of the Federal Government, including the immediate deployment of military and police units to the affected areas. “We thank the President and Vice President for visiting Kwara at this difficult time. The Federal Government’s response has been prompt and commendable,” he said, recalling the scale of destruction he witnessed during his visit to Woro on Wednesday.
He confirmed that Operation Savannah Shield troops are already deployed to prevent a recurrence. “The General Officer Commanding 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army and the Police DIG (Operations) were present to welcome you at the airport. NEMA representatives have been on the ground since the incident,” he added.
Governor AbdulRazaq concluded by pledging continued prayers for improved security in Nigeria and for justice against perpetrators. “We will support our President and Vice President, praying that God guides them in leading our nation,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Northeastern states, Governor Zulum also offered condolences, praying for the departed and expressing hope that such incidents would not recur. “As Muslims, we trust in destiny. Insha’Allah, this will not happen again. May Almighty Allah forgive the deceased and grant them Jannatul Firdaus,” he said.
Kaiama LG Chairman Abdullahi and Emir Alhaji Omar, in their separate remarks, thanked President Tinubu for his support, VP Shetima for the visit, and Governor AbdulRazaq for his immediate response and visit to Woro.
