Deadly bandit attack in Kwara’s Kaiama communities leaves 10 dead, dozens displaced

Armed bandits launched a violent raid on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday evening, killing at least 10 residents and displacing dozens more.

The attack occurred around 6:00 p.m. on February 3, 2026, reigniting concerns over rural security despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the state.

According to local sources, the assailants—estimated at about 200 gunmen—stormed the communities and opened fire indiscriminately.

Panic spread as residents fled in multiple directions, leaving homes vulnerable. Several houses were reportedly set ablaze during the assault, and families were torn apart amid the chaos.

A community leader said many of the victims were shot while attempting to escape, while others were trapped inside their homes.

The attackers are believed to be bandits operating from forested areas near the Borgu National Park in neighbouring Niger State.

Idris Mohammed, a resident of Kaiama, told reporters that about six corpses were taken to the palace of the Emir of Woro, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar. He added that several villagers were still missing as of Wednesday morning, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.

The Kwara State Government has confirmed the attack. In a statement from Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

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“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is saddened by the cowardly attack on civilians in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area,” the statement read.

The governor described the raid as “a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells following the ongoing counterterrorism campaigns in parts of the state.”

He noted that the attack appeared to be aimed at diverting attention from recent security successes, in which several terrorist and kidnapping gangs were neutralised.

Governor Abdulrazaq extended condolences to the affected families and assured residents that security operations would be intensified to prevent further attacks.

Halidu Danbaba, the lawmaker representing Kaiama at the Kwara State House of Assembly, also confirmed the incident and urged both state and federal authorities to expand recent military operations in Kwara South to Kaiama, particularly with schools reopening in the area.

Residents of Woro and Nuku continue to grapple with the aftermath of the attack, with many seeking shelter and support following the loss of loved ones and destruction of property.

Security forces have been deployed to the affected communities to restore order and track down the perpetrators.