iDeemlawfulThe Defence Headquarters in Abuja has said the deadly assault on Woro and nearby communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State was carried out by terrorists angered by residents’ refusal to submit to ideological indoctrination.
The military described the incident as a cowardly terrorist act that claimed the lives of innocent civilians.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters explained that the attackers had earlier approached Woro village seeking approval to carry out preaching and indoctrination activities.
According to the DHQ, the villagers flatly rejected the request.
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“The assailants had earlier requested to conduct preaching and indoctrination sessions, which the villagers refused,” the statement said.
The military said it was alerted to the initial threat and swiftly deployed troops to the area, where sustained patrols, surveillance, and other security measures were maintained for about two weeks.
“However, weeks after the troops withdrew, the cowardly terrorists returned to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others,” the DHQ said.
More than 170 residents were killed during the attack on Tuesday.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria commended the people of Woro and surrounding communities for their resilience and refusal to abandon their way of life or constitutional loyalty despite intimidation.
“The AFN mourns with the families of those who have lost loved ones in these and other similar brutal attacks on defenceless citizens defending community values and freedom across Nigeria,” the statement said.
The DHQ urged Nigerians to remain firm in their faith in the Constitution and resist ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups, warning that such groups seek to impose “twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation.”
It also called for stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies, stressing that unity and resilience remain Nigeria’s strongest defence against terrorism.
Reaffirming its resolve, the DHQ said it was intensifying efforts, in collaboration with other security agencies, to track down and prosecute those responsible for the Kaiama attack and other terrorist acts nationwide.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has condemned the rising wave of killings and abductions across Nigeria, warning that the persistent violence reflects a failure by authorities to safeguard lives and property.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisation said Nigerians were increasingly unsafe as gunmen and criminal gangs operate with near-total impunity in several states.
Amnesty described Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as a “Bloody Tuesday,” following coordinated attacks across the country.
According to the group, deadly assaults were recorded in Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State, Doma Tafoki in Katsina State, and Abande in Benue State, where scores of residents were reportedly killed.
“Alarming escalation of attacks, abductions for ransom and frequent killings across Nigeria have left people feeling more unsafe, showing utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives and properties,” Amnesty said.