Defence HQ Reveals Why Terrorists Carried Out Mass Killings In Kwara Community

The Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has said the deadly attack on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State was carried out by terrorists angered by the villagers’ refusal to submit to ideological indoctrination.

The military described the incident as a cowardly terrorist attack that resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters said the attackers had earlier entered Woro village seeking permission to conduct preaching and indoctrination sessions.

According to the DHQ, the villagers rejected the request outright.

“The assailants had earlier requested to conduct preaching and indoctrination sessions, which the villagers refused,” the statement said.

The military said it was alerted to the initial threat and promptly deployed troops to the area, where robust patrols, surveillance, and other security measures were sustained for about two weeks.

“However, weeks after the troops withdrew, the cowardly terrorists returned to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others,” the DHQ said.

Over 170 residents were killed during the Tuesday attack.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria praised residents of Woro and neighbouring communities for their resilience and refusal to abandon their way of life or constitutional loyalty despite threats.

“The AFN mourns with the families of those who have lost loved ones in these and other similar brutal attacks on defenceless citizens defending community values and freedom across Nigeria,” the statement read.

The DHQ urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in the Constitution and resist ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups, warning that such groups seek to impose “twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation.”

It also called for stronger cooperation between citizens and security agencies, insisting that unity and resilience remain Nigeria’s strongest defence against terrorism.

Reaffirming its commitment, the DHQ said efforts were being intensified, in collaboration with other security agencies, to track down and prosecute those responsible for the Kaiama attack and other terrorist acts nationwide.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has condemned the escalating wave of killings and abductions across Nigeria, warning that the persistent bloodshed reflects a failure by authorities to protect lives and property.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisation said Nigerians were increasingly unsafe as gunmen and criminal gangs operate with near-total impunity in several states.

Amnesty described Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as a “Bloody Tuesday,” following coordinated attacks across the country.

According to the group, deadly assaults were recorded in Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State, Doma Tafoki in Katsina State, and Abande in Benue State, where scores of residents were reportedly killed.

“Alarming escalation of attacks, abductions for ransom and frequent killings across Nigeria have left people feeling more unsafe, showing utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives and properties,” Amnesty said.