The United States has strongly condemned a deadly assault on rural communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria, describing the violence as a grave humanitarian tragedy and voicing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to deploy additional security forces to the area.
The attack, which targeted the Woro and Nuku communities, has triggered widespread national mourning and drawn sharp reactions from international partners, amid ongoing uncertainty over the true number of casualties.
Conflicting Death Tolls Deepen Concerns
Nigerian authorities and independent observers have issued sharply different figures regarding the scale of the killings. The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that at least 75 people were killed during the assault. However, local community leaders, humanitarian monitors, and international missions have suggested the death toll may be far higher.
In a statement released on Friday via X (formerly Twitter), the United States Mission in Nigeria said more than 160 people were feared dead, noting that many residents remained missing days after the attack.
“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 of those affected by this senseless violence.”
The discrepancy in figures has underscored long-standing challenges in accessing remote communities after attacks, particularly where communication infrastructure is weak and residents have fled for safety.
Support for Tinubu’s Security Orders
Beyond its condemnation, Washington explicitly welcomed the Nigerian government’s response. The US Mission praised President Tinubu’s directive to reinforce security in the affected areas and to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches survivors.
“We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area, as well as 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.
President Tinubu had earlier ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the establishment of a new military command to coordinate operations in the area. The move is aimed at stabilising the communities, preventing reprisals, and tracking those responsible for the violence.
Security Agencies Mobilise
Nigeria’s security chiefs have also taken parallel action. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units and intelligence teams to Kaiama and neighbouring communities. According to police authorities, the goal is to restore calm, gather actionable intelligence, and prevent further attacks.
At the state level, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield were already on the ground. He said the military presence would serve as a deterrent while longer-term security measures are put in place.
International Reaction Grows
The United States’ statement adds to mounting international condemnation of the killings. The United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye had earlier issued strong rebukes, calling for accountability and protection for vulnerable rural populations.
Security analysts note that attacks on farming communities in parts of Nigeria have increasingly drawn global attention, particularly when civilian casualties are high and displacement follows.
Calls for Justice and Relief
As investigations continue, humanitarian needs in Woro, Nuku, and surrounding villages remain urgent. Many residents have reportedly fled their homes, while survivors require medical care, food assistance, and shelter.
Both Nigerian authorities and international partners have stressed the importance of not only restoring security, but also ensuring justice for victims and addressing the underlying drivers of violence in the region.
For now, the focus remains on stabilising Kaiama, accounting for the missing, and preventing another tragedy—steps the international community says it will continue to watch closely.
Source: Africa Publicity
