by Ola Williams Abuja-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following deadly attacks on the Nuku and Woro communities that left at least 75 residents dead.
The directive came after reports of coordinated assaults by suspected terrorists on Tuesday. In a statement issued Wednesday night, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the troops would spearhead “Operation Savannah Shield,” with a mandate to stop further violence and protect vulnerable communities.
Condemning the incident, Tinubu described the attacks as “cowardly and beastly,” accusing the assailants of deliberately targeting defenceless civilians. According to him, the gunmen were “heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror.”
The president noted that the victims were targeted for rejecting what he called an attempt at violent indoctrination. He said the communities chose to practise a form of Islam rooted in peace rather than extremism.
“It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a belief system that promotes violence over dialogue,” the statement quoted the president as saying.
Tinubu called for close coordination between federal and state authorities to provide relief to affected residents and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Kwara State, praying for the repose of the dead and strength for those left behind.
