President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened an emergency security meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the wake of the deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, which claimed at least 75 lives.
The meeting came amid widespread national and international condemnation, with the United Nations and Türkiye denouncing the killings. Northern senators have also called for a comprehensive security overhaul, while the Inspector-General of Police ordered the deployment of tactical teams to the affected communities.
The massacre, attributed to extremist militants, has renewed calls for mass recruitment of security personnel, expansion of intelligence and operational capacity, and stronger federal intervention, with lawmakers warning that rural insecurity now threatens national stability.
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, commended the efforts of security agencies but urged urgent action to increase personnel and strengthen operational capacity to counter the growing wave of attacks. He expressed condolences to Kwara, Katsina, and Benue states, citing the combined death toll from recent assaults at over 130.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed the deaths of 75 people in the Kaiama attack and ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational, and intelligence units to restore order and prevent further violence. An intensive manhunt has also been launched to apprehend the perpetrators and their collaborators.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq briefed the President on the attacks and confirmed that the commander of Operation Savannah Shield has arrived in Kwara and is actively leading the security response. He praised the President’s directive to flush out the attackers and secure the area.
President Tinubu condemned the attack as cowardly, highlighting that victims were targeted for rejecting extremist ideology in favour of peaceful practice. He called for closer coordination between federal and state agencies to ensure justice and protect communities.
In addition, the governor instructed the state emergency management agency to mobilise support for victims and their families. He commended the rapid deployment of soldiers under Operation Savannah Shield, promising increased military presence in affected areas.
The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar, explained that the attackers were followers of Mahmuda, whose ideology was rejected by the local population.
National leaders, including House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, condemned the attacks, calling for decisive federal action to prevent further insecurity. The Northern States Governors’ Forum echoed these calls, urging law enforcement agencies to deploy intelligence-led operations and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
The Peoples Democratic Party criticised the federal government for ignoring early warning signs, describing the military response as reactive and calling for an independent investigation.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed condolences to the victims and the Nigerian government, while Türkiye condemned the attack and pledged continued support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Meanwhile, the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who had been abducted in Ifelodun Local Government Area, was released after about a month in captivity. His release came two weeks after his son’s earlier freedom, reportedly following payment of a ransom, though police have neither confirmed nor denied the payments. The monarch is now receiving medical attention and is in good spirits.
The attacks have reignited nationwide calls for stronger security presence, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained federal intervention to address Nigeria’s deepening insecurity crisis.
