UN Chief Condemns Deadly Kwara Attack, Reaffirms Support for Nigeria
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the recent terrorist assault in Kwara State, describing it as a “heinous” attack that has left at least 170 people dead.
The massacre, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. Eyewitness reports indicate that armed assailants stormed the villages, carrying out summary executions and burning homes and shops. In addition to the fatalities, 35 women were abducted, while hundreds of residents remain displaced in nearby forest belts.
In a statement released Thursday, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric conveyed the Secretary-General’s “heartfelt condolences” to the victims’ families and the Nigerian government. Guterres emphasized that the perpetrators of these “vicious attacks,” reportedly in retaliation for local resistance to extremist indoctrination, must be brought to justice swiftly.
“The Secretary-General reiterates the United Nations’ solidarity with Nigeria in this difficult time,” Dujarric said.
Guterres also expressed support for the Federal Government’s deployment of an army battalion to the affected region. This mobilisation is part of “Operation Savannah Shield,” aimed at stabilizing the North-Central border areas and protecting vulnerable rural populations from the surge in militant violence.
The UN Chief called on all relevant parties to ensure accountability, protection of civilians, and humanitarian assistance to those affected by the attack, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to peace, security, and human rights in Nigeria.
Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant while security forces continue operations to rescue abducted victims and prevent further attacks in the region.
