By SUNTV Global Channel
February 7, 2026 | News
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has described the deadly terrorist attack in Kwara State that left over 170 people dead as a tragic reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, saying prayers must accompany decisive action to prevent a recurrence.
Governor Zulum spoke during a condolence visit to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where terrorists attacked Nuku and Woro villages, killing scores of residents in one of the deadliest assaults ever recorded in the North-Central region.
“As Muslims, we believe in destiny, but it is our sincere prayer that this kind of tragedy will not happen again,” Zulum said.
The condolence visit was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who headed a Federal Government delegation to the affected communities on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu Orders Troop Deployment, NEMA Intervention
Vice President Shettima assured residents that President Tinubu had ordered the deployment of a full battalion of the Nigerian Army to Kaiama to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
He also disclosed that the President had instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately mobilise relief materials and humanitarian support for displaced and distressed residents.
“We are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with the government and people of Kaiama and Kwara State over the tragic killings that occurred on Tuesday,” Shettima said in a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
Describing the victims as peaceful citizens attacked while pursuing their daily livelihoods, the Vice President said the incident had shocked the nation.
Security Operations Underway, Details Withheld
While confirming the military deployment, Shettima declined to disclose operational details, citing the sensitive nature of counter-terrorism efforts.
“Security issues are sensitive issues, and we do not have to divulge most of the actions being taken by our security establishment,” he said, adding that “all hands are on deck.”
Shettima extended the President’s condolences to the families of the victims and reassured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and preventing future attacks.
Kwara Governor Confirms Special Military Operation
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq praised the Federal Government’s swift response, confirming that security forces were already on ground and that a special military operation, Operation Savannah Shield, had commenced.
“Troops are on ground. A General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Second Division of the Nigerian Army and a Deputy Inspector General of Police are already in the state,” AbdulRazaq said.
He added that NEMA officials had been present in the affected areas since the attack occurred.
Traditional Rulers, Local Leaders React
Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the rapid military response, while the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, said the deployment had helped calm tensions.
“We appreciate the concern shown by President Tinubu since the incident happened. Security personnel and relevant agencies are now adequately deployed,” the monarch said.
Rising Fear Over Terrorist Spread
The Kaiama massacre has intensified fears over the spread of terrorist violence into North-Central Nigeria, a region previously considered relatively insulated from large-scale insurgent attacks.
Members of the delegation included Senator Ali Ndume, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Jennifer Adighije, NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar, and lawmakers from the Kwara State House of Assembly.
As residents continue to mourn their dead, many insist that condolences and troop deployments must be followed by sustainable security measures to stop terrorists from turning more Nigerian communities into killing fields.
