TDFormer Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has condemned the massacre of over 100 people in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Nigeria was thrown into mourning following the horrible attack, described as one of the deadliest in recent years.
The attack sparked outrage and renewed calls for urgent federal intervention to stem the tide of insecurity in the region.
Condemning the killings, Saraki in a strongly worded statement, describing the incident as a “national disaster” and urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act decisively.
Saraki’s Call for Federal Intervention
Saraki emphasized that the scale of violence in Kwara State has “gone beyond the capacity of the state government” and now requires direct federal involvement.
He specifically called on President Tinubu to instruct the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Second Mechanised Infantry Division, Ibadan, accordingly.
He demanded that the GOC deploy troops into the troubled districts and establish a permanent base in the affected areas.
“What we require now to stop this mass destruction of lives and properties in our state and to restore harmony is the decisive and direct intervention from President Tinubu,” Saraki wrote.
He further urged other security agencies to collaborate and maintain a strong presence across Kwara State to deter insurgents fleeing from military operations in other parts of the North Central zone.
Strategic Importance of Kwara
Saraki highlighted Kwara State’s strategic position in Nigeria, noting that it serves as a bridge between the North and Southwest and shares an international border with the Republic of Benin.
He warned that allowing insurgency to gain ground in Kwara would have dire national consequences.
“Kwara State is too strategic to this country that we should not allow insurgency to gain ground there,” he cautioned.
Expressing deep sympathy for the victims, Saraki prayed for the families of those killed and for healing of the wounded.
“My sympathy goes to the people of the Woro community, particularly the families that lost their loved ones.
“May Almighty Allah comfort them and grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss. Also, may He heal all the wounded,” he said.
Beyond Press Statements
Saraki insisted that Nigeria’s response must go beyond mere press comments.
He called for decisive measures to ensure such violence does not recur anywhere in Kwara State.
While urging the federal government to take the lead, he also stressed that the state government and local councils must play their roles in protecting citizens.
Saraki lamented the deterioration of security in Kwara, once known as the “State of Harmony”.
He described the current wave of killings, arson, and displacement as unprecedented.
He declared the Woro massacre a national emergency, framing the attack as an assault on Nigeria itself.
“This attack in Woro is a national emergency.
“What these criminals did in Woro was to wage war against Nigeria.
“It is a war the country must win, without delay,” he asserted in the statement.
Wider Implications
The killings in Woro underscore Nigeria’s broader struggle with insecurity, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to armed groups.
Analysts warn that without swift intervention, Kwara could become a safe haven for insurgents displaced from other states.
The tragedy has also reignited debates about governance, accountability, and the adequacy of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Citizens across the country are demanding stronger measures to protect lives and property, as well as justice for victims of such attacks.
The massacre in Woro community has shaken Kwara State and the nation at large.
With over 100 lives lost, the incident stands as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s urgent need for decisive action against insecurity.
Saraki’s call for federal intervention reflects growing pressure on Tinubu’s administration to prioritize security and prevent further bloodshed.
As Woro mourns its dead, the country faces a critical test: whether it can rise to the challenge of protecting its citizens and restoring peace to communities under siege.
