The Southern Governors’ Forum has expressed profound grief over the recent terrorist attacks in Kwara State that claimed at least 162 lives in the villages of Woro and Nuku.
The forum’s chairman and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta, described the attacks as a tragic and unfortunate act in which innocent citizens were brutally murdered while going about their lawful activities.
Governor Abiodun condemned reports that residents were targeted for allegedly refusing to adopt Sharia law.
He noted that homes and shops were burnt, and several people were kidnapped by the attackers, who are believed to have affiliations with Boko Haram.
“The senseless targeting of law-abiding citizens is most horrendous. Nigeria remains a secular state that respects freedom of religion,” Abiodun said.
He called on law enforcement agencies to track down the perpetrators and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, stressing that Nigerians deserve to live without fear of violence.
“On behalf of myself and my colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, I express our deepest condolences over the dastardly terror attack in Kwara State, in which jihadists murdered innocent people in cold blood,” he said.
Abiodun further urged security agencies to intensify operations against the perpetrators, insisting that they must be brought to justice.
“We commiserate with His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, and the people of Kwara State over this tragic incident.”
“We hope justice will be served while the security agencies do everything within their power to ensure that the slaughter of innocent citizens comes to an end,” he added.
