National and international outrage has intensified following the Kwara massacre, as the United Nations and Türkiye condemned the killings, while President Bola Tinubu ordered decisive military intervention to restore security in the affected communities.
President Tinubu on Thursday held an emergency security meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the State House, Abuja, amid growing concerns over the violent attack in Kaiama Local Government Area, which left at least 75 people dead, according to official figures.
The meeting came as northern senators demanded a sweeping security overhaul, the Inspector-General of Police deployed tactical teams, and global partners voiced concern over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly in rural communities.
Renewed Calls for Security Overhaul
The deadly attack has reignited nationwide calls for mass recruitment of security personnel, expanded intelligence capacity, improved armouries, and stronger federal intervention, with lawmakers warning that unchecked insecurity poses a grave threat to national stability.
The Northern Senators Forum urged the Federal Government to urgently strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture following coordinated attacks in Kwara, Katsina and Benue States, which lawmakers say have left over 130 people dead.
In a condolence message issued in Abuja, the Forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, described the attacks as “senseless acts of violence” and called for immediate recruitment of security personnel and enhanced operational capacity to curb rising attacks by bandits and extremist groups.
Police, Military Launch Operations in Kaiama
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational and intelligence assets to Kaiama and surrounding communities.
Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that 75 people were killed and disclosed that an intensive manhunt had been launched to apprehend the perpetrators and their collaborators.
“All available resources have been mobilised to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” Hundeyin said, assuring Nigerians of the police’s resolve to protect lives and property.
Governor AbdulRazaq also confirmed the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield, saying the initiative would restore calm and deter further attacks.
“I briefed Mr President on the gory incident and thanked him for the swift response,” the governor said, noting that an army battalion and a new military command had been approved to secure the area.
President Tinubu condemned the attack as cowardly and inhumane, expressing anger that residents were targeted for rejecting extremist ideology. He directed the Armed Forces to flush out the attackers and called for closer collaboration between federal and state agencies.
National, Political Reactions Intensify
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the killings as alarming and urged security agencies to fulfill their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.
Similarly, Northern Governors, led by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, condemned the attacks as barbaric and called for intelligence-led operations and decisive action against the perpetrators.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the Federal Government of ignoring early warnings, describing the military response as reactive, and demanded an independent investigation and a national security summit.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki called the killings a national disaster, urging President Tinubu to personally intervene, while Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan warned that rising insecurity threatens national cohesion and peace.
UN, Türkiye Condemn Kwara Killings
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the terrorist attack of February 3, extending condolences to victims’ families and the Government of Nigeria, and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The Republic of Türkiye, in a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the attack as heinous and reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Kidnapped Kwara Monarch Regains Freedom
In a related development, the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, abducted in Ifelodun Local Government Area, has regained his freedom after about one month in captivity.
Family sources disclosed that the monarch was released after the payment of an additional N12 million ransom, following an earlier N20 million payment that secured the release of his son. The traditional ruler is currently receiving medical care for physical and psychological trauma.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed his release but denied knowledge of ransom payment, stating that ongoing joint security operations forced the kidnappers to flee.
