The US has condemned the deadly attack on communities in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, as conflicting casualty figures emerged from the incident that has sparked national and international condemnation.
While the Nigerian Police Force acknowledged that 75 people were killed in the assault on the Woro and Nuku communities, local sources and foreign observers believe the death toll is much higher.
On Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria described the incident as “horrific,” stating more than 160 individuals were thought dead, with more others missing.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” the statement read.
It welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deploy security operatives to protect affected communities.
“We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and 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.
The reply adds to international condemnation of the incident, which had already elicited criticism from the United Nations and the Republic of Turkey.
Following the attacks on the Woro and Nuku settlements, Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and the formation of a new military command to lead the operation.
Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, also directed the urgent deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to Kaiama and adjacent areas to restore order and prevent further attacks.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq stated that the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield will help deter future violence and that security forces were already on the scene.
