Dozens of residents were killed on Tuesday night when suspected terrorists attacked Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, with the Emir of the town, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, declared missing.
Residents and security sources said the attackers stormed the agrarian community in large numbers, opening fire on residents and setting houses ablaze.
Among those reportedly killed were members of the Emir’s household, including two of his wives and some of his children, as well as the Chief Imam of Woro, a school principal, a headmistress and several pupils who had just returned from school.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants moved through the town for hours, attacking residents and travellers caught within the area. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the scale of the assault left the community in shock and fear.
Sources disclosed that the Emir’s palace was razed during the attack, while his official vehicle was allegedly seized by the assailants and used to move abducted persons to unknown locations.
This development has heightened concerns over the fate of the monarch, who had yet to be located as of Wednesday evening.
A video circulating online showed extensive destruction in the community, with burnt buildings and distressed residents confirming that the palace was among structures destroyed during the invasion.
Further findings revealed that the attackers reportedly returned to the community on Wednesday morning, forcing residents who had fled overnight to abandon the area completely.
Security sources said troops responded to distress calls but were overwhelmed by the number of attackers, estimated to be over 200, leading to a tactical withdrawal.
As of Wednesday, neither the Kwara State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the incident.
Meanwhile, residents have continued to flee to neighbouring communities amid fears of further attacks.
Community leaders and civil society groups have called on the Federal Government to urgently reinforce security in Kaiama and surrounding areas, intensify rescue efforts and restore calm to the affected communities.
