Shettima condemns Kwara attack, calls it violation of peaceful worship

By Seyi Babalola

Vice President Kashim Shettima, during a condolence visit to Kwara State on Saturday, described the attack on the residents of Woro community as an intolerable infringement on individuals’ freedom to peacefully practice their faith, noting that the magnitude of the devastation shocked Nigerians.

Shetima expressed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the people of Kaiama, and the entire Kwara State on the tragedy and prayed to Allah to grant 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 said a battalion of the Nigerian Army has been deployed to wipe the threats off Kaiama and environs, saying all hands are on deck to ensure that peace and tranquillity are restored to those 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 VP stated that the President has directed the Director General of NEMA to mobilise all resources in collaboration with the state emergency management agency to assist the affected communities.