Massacre in Nigerian Kwara State After Militant Attack

Massacre in Nigerian Kwara State After Militant Attack

On February 5, 2026, Nigerian authorities and humanitarian organisations reported that at least 162 people were killed in coordinated attacks on the villages of Woro and Nuku in Kwara State, western Nigeria. Local officials described gunmen believed to be militant extremists surrounding and opening fire on residents on February 3 and early February 4, burning homes, shops, and other structures. The village chief reported that armed militants entered Woro in the evening and continued their assault into the early hours of the following morning. The ordeal was described as one of the deadliest single attacks in the state this year, and the Red Cross confirmed a high fatality count in remote, border-adjacent areas.

The Nigerian government deployed an army battalion to the Kaiama district in response, launching security operations to locate attackers and secure the area. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the violence and ordered additional military resources to be stationed in the region to assist with search, rescue, and stabilisation efforts. There were reports that some villagers were abducted during the attacks, and local authorities began mass burial rites for dozens of victims recovered so far. Officials attributed the violence to known militant groups operating in Nigeria, though responsibility had not been fully confirmed at the time of reporting.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement on February 5 strongly condemning the attack and expressing condolences to the families of those killed. The UN called for perpetrators to be brought to justice and reiterated support for Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism within its borders. The escalation of violence in Kwara State underscores ongoing security challenges across Nigeria, where armed militant factions and bandit groups have continued to target civilians, contributing to widespread instability and humanitarian need.