Details emerged from the deadly attack on communities in Kaiama axis of Kwara State, as officials, residents, and survivors recount scenes of mass executions, arson, and displacement that have left the nation shaken.

A Red Cross official and local authorities have confirmed that no fewer than 162 people were killed in the coordinated assault, while other local sources suggest the death toll could be as high as 170.

Red Cross Confirms Rising Death Toll

The Secretary of the Kwara State chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross, Babaomo Ayodeji, confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the number of dead stood at 162.

Corroborating this, a local politician who spoke to Reuters said ongoing searches and recovery efforts could push the figure closer to 170, as more bodies were being discovered in nearby bushes and farmlands.

Villagers Executed, Homes Set Ablaze

According to Sa’idu Ahmed, a politician from the Kaiama axis, the attackers carried out systematic killings.

He told Reuters that the assailants:

• Rounded up villagers
• Tied their hands behind their backs
• Executed them at close range

Homes and shops were also set on fire, leaving entire communities in ruins.

“I am in the village along with military personnel, sorting dead bodies and searching nearby areas,” Ahmed said.

He added that many villagers escaped into surrounding bushes despite suffering gunshot wounds, while several residents—including the community’s traditional ruler—remained missing as of Wednesday.

Attack Linked to Extremist Ideology

Residents alleged that the attackers were jihadists who had previously infiltrated the community under the guise of preaching.

According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen had demanded that villagers renounce allegiance to the Nigerian state and instead submit to Sharia law. When residents resisted these demands during a sermon, the attackers reportedly opened fire.

This revelation has intensified concerns about the spread of violent extremism into new regions of the country.

75 Victims Given Mass Burial

As the scale of the tragedy became clearer, at least 75 victims were given a mass burial on Wednesday in Woro community.

A government official, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, confirmed the burial, stating:

“Although rumours suggested the death toll exceeded 150, 75 victims were given mass burial this afternoon (Wednesday).”

The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Danladi, led an official government delegation to the affected communities during the burial rites.

Survivors Tell Their Stories

Survivors have begun to speak out, sharing painful accounts of loss and trauma.

The village head of Woro, Umar Tanko, said he narrowly escaped the attack because he was away at his shop when the gunmen struck.

“I was away at my shop where I sell goods when an army of bandits arrived at my residence on Tuesday evening,” he said.
“My daughter and two sons were shot dead, while my second wife and two others were abducted.”

His story reflects the heartbreak experienced by many families who lost loved ones or are still searching for missing relatives.

A Community in Mourning, a Nation in Shock

As military personnel continue search and recovery operations, affected communities remain in mourning. Thousands have been displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and families shattered.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, the attack raises urgent questions about security, intelligence failures, and the growing boldness of extremist groups operating within Nigeria’s borders.

For residents of Kaiama and surrounding villages, the scars of this attack will not heal quickly. And for the nation, the silence or denial surrounding such violence only deepens the wounds.

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