By Gabriel Ameh
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has condemned the killing of innocent residents in recent terrorist attacks on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the incident as a brutal assault on peaceful citizens and community values.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and commiserated with families affected by the violence.
He, however, commended the courage and resilience shown by the people of Woro and surrounding communities, noting that they refused to yield to threats or abandon their constitutional loyalty and way of life despite pressure from the attackers.
According to the DHQ, the terrorists had initially entered the community requesting permission to hold a preaching and indoctrination session, a request firmly rejected by the villagers. Security forces were promptly alerted, leading to the deployment of troops who conducted patrols, surveillance, and other security measures in the area for about two weeks.
Major General Uba disclosed that the attackers later returned weeks after the security presence had reduced and carried out the deadly assault in what appeared to be retaliation and an attempt to instill fear among residents.
The DHQ urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in the Constitution, their individual beliefs, and the shared values that bind the nation together, stressing that unity and resilience remain the strongest defence against those seeking to undermine national peace and stability.
It also called on citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious, or regional background, to resist any form of ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups that attempt to impose their beliefs through terror and intimidation.
The military reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice while calling for greater cooperation between citizens and security forces to safeguard communities and uphold Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
