Deadly attack forces Kwara residents to flee across Niger border

Residents of the Woro community in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have fled to neighbouring Niger State following a deadly terrorist attack that reportedly killed over 176 people during the week.

The attack, which began Tuesday evening and continued into Wednesday morning, forced families to abandon their homes, escaping with little or no personal belongings as fear spread across Woro and surrounding villages.

A viral video obtained by Newsmen on Saturday shows displaced residents who took refuge in Wawa town, Niger State, gathered along the roadside. Several vehicles believed to have transported them from Kwara State were seen parked nearby.

In the footage, some of the displaced people were seated on plastic chairs under a temporary tent, while others sat on the ground. Many appeared exhausted as women and children clustered together.

Confirming the situation, the Special Assistant to the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, ZulQharnain Musa, told Newsmen that the Woro community had been completely deserted following the attack.

“The whole community has been deserted as of Saturday. Residents have absconded to neighbouring communities, including Niger State, Kaiama town, and some of those who escaped through the thick forest ended up in Baruten,” Musa said.

He disclosed that security forces have since been deployed to the affected area to restore calm.

“There is an army battalion currently stationed in the community as directed by President Bola Tinubu,” he added.

Despite the military presence, Musa noted that many residents remain unwilling to return, citing fear of renewed attacks and uncertainty over their safety, as entire households continue to seek refuge in host communities.