iDeemlawfulThe Muslim World League (MWL) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on residents of Woro town in Kwara State, Nigeria, which claimed numerous lives and left many others injured.
In a statement released from Makkah by its General Secretariat, the MWL described the assault as a serious act of violence and reaffirmed its firm opposition to terrorism in all its forms.
The statement was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars.
Sheikh Al-Issa expressed the MWL’s “full solidarity with the Federal Republic of Nigeria during this tragic incident,” while backing the country’s continued efforts “to confront all threats to its security, stability, and the safety of its people.”
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The MWL Secretary-General reiterated what he described as the League’s “principled and unwavering rejection of violence and terrorism in all their forms and under any pretext,” stressing that such acts contradict the values of Islam and humanity.
The statement also conveyed deep sympathy to those affected by the attack and their families. Sheikh Al-Issa offered his “sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” while praying for comfort and healing.
He prayed that “Allah Almighty bestow mercy upon the deceased and grant a swift recovery to the injured,” underscoring the League’s concern for the victims and the broader implications of the attack on peace and security.
The condemnation comes amid growing concern over persistent violent attacks in parts of Nigeria, which have continued to claim lives and displace residents. International and regional bodies have increasingly called for stronger cooperation to address insecurity and protect civilians.
The Muslim World League, an international Islamic non-governmental organisation based in Makkah, has consistently spoken out against terrorism and extremism worldwide. It has repeatedly emphasised dialogue, coexistence, and respect for human life as essential principles in addressing global security challenges.
Similarly, the United Nations, the United States, and Türkiye have condemned the killings in Kwara.
In separate statements, they described the attack, which left about 75 people dead and several others wounded, as “heinous”.
In a post on X, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 3 February in Kwara State, Nigeria.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims & to the people & government of Nigeria. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The United States Mission in Nigeria stated: “The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence. We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice.”
The Turkish government said it was “deeply saddened” by the terrorist attack.
“We strongly condemn this heinous attack and extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria. Türkiye will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism,” its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement published on its website.
On Wednesday, reports said dozens of people were brutally killed following a coordinated and deadly attack by suspected Sahel-backed terrorists on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
About 170 people were reportedly killed in the assault.
It was gathered that the terrorists are allegedly linked to a Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction with suspected operational ties to extremist networks operating across the Sahel region.
The attackers reportedly stormed Woro on Tuesday evening, unleashing unprecedented violence on residents and passersby.
On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters in Abuja said the recent attack on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State was carried out by terrorists angered by the villagers’ refusal to submit to ideological indoctrination.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the assault as a “cowardly terrorist attack” that resulted in the loss of innocent lives, while expressing condolences to affected families and communities.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq described the incident as a “pure massacre” and confirmed that at least 75 victims had already been buried.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of an army battalion to reinforce security in the state under Operation Savannah Shield.
Political groups, including a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Northern States Governors’ Forum, have condemned the killings, describing them as barbaric and reflective of worsening insecurity in the region.