Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday received Vice President Kashim Shetima during a condolence visit to the state over the recent terrorist attack in Woro (Kaiama), where innocent people were reportedly killed.
In a speech delivered at the Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin, the Vice President described the attack as an unacceptable breach of citizens’ right to peaceful religious practice, noting that the scale of the killings deeply shocked Nigerians.
Members of his entourage included Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum; Senator Ali Ndume; Senator Emmanuel Udende; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar; and Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Engr. Jennifer Adighije.
They were received by Governor AbdulRazaq alongside Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North); Rep. Mukhtar Tolani Sagaya; Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi; members of the state executive council; Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar; Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi; and State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, among other dignitaries.
Shetima conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Governor AbdulRazaq, the people of Kaiama, and the entire Kwara State over the incident, and prayed that Allah grants the deceased Al-jannah Firdaus.
“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State by extension over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026,” he said.
“That tragic killing had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of communities that were dedicated to building their peaceful livelihoods while they practised their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam have instructed.
“The Kaiama and Baruten, and even the Batonu speaking parts of Old Borgu that spread into Niger and Kebbi States and even overlap into the neighbouring Benin Republic, have been known for practising the most tolerant form of Islam for centuries until an alien religious belief, alien to our history, alien to our tradition, invaded those communities.”
Shetima disclosed that a battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to eliminate the threats in Kaiama and surrounding areas, stressing that all necessary measures were being taken to restore peace and stability in the communities.
“Security issues are sensitive issues. We do not have to divulge most of the actions that have been taken by our security establishment. But I am here fundamentally to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama in particular over the tragic loss of lives and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony that our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you,” he added.
“May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and reward them with his Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant the families and the people of Kaiama the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.”
The Vice President stated that the President had directed the Director General of NEMA to mobilise all available resources in collaboration with the state emergency management agency to support the affected communities.
Governor AbdulRazaq praised the President for his swift intervention, including the immediate deployment of soldiers and police tactical units to the impacted areas.
“We thank the President and the Vice President for this visit. We appreciate you for coming to Kwara over the sad incident that happened in Woro, Kaiama Local Government. The response of the Federal Government has been very swift and we are grateful,” the Governor said, adding that he was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the violence when he visited Woro on Wednesday.
He confirmed that troops of Operation Savannah Shield had already been deployed to prevent further attacks.
“As you can see, you were welcomed at the airport this morning by the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division of Nigerian Army. Police DIG (Operations) is on ground. Representatives of the NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened. We do really appreciate the response of the Federal Government,” he added.
“All said, we will continue to work harder and pray for better security in Nigeria and for those committing this evil act to meet their waterloo.
We will continue to pray and support our President and Vice President for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”
Speaking on behalf of the Northeastern states, Governor Zulum also expressed sympathy with the people of Kwara and prayed for the departed.
“As Muslims, we believe in destiny and In-Sha Allahu, this will not happen again. Our prayers are with you, and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive the departed souls and grant them Janatul firdaus,” he said.
The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Abdullahi, and the Emir, Alhaji Omar, in their separate remarks, appreciated the President for his support and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the visit.
They also acknowledged Governor AbdulRazaq’s prompt actions and his visit to Kaiama to commiserate with the affected communities.
