Tinubu orders army battalion to Kwara after deadly Kaiama attacks

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama LGA in Kwara State, following a deadly assault on the Nuku and Woro communities blamed on suspected terrorists.

The directive came after reports that at least 75 residents were killed during the attacks on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the newly deployed force would lead “Operation Savannah Shield”, with a mandate to halt further violence and protect vulnerable communities.

The president condemned what he described as a “cowardly and beastly attack”, accusing the gunmen of deliberately targeting defenceless civilians. He said the assailants were “heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror”.

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Tinubu also said the attackers had killed residents who rejected what he termed an attempt at violent indoctrination, noting that the victims chose to practise a form of Islam rooted in peace rather than extremism.

“It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a belief system that promotes violence over dialogue,” the statement said.

The president called for close coordination between federal and state authorities to provide relief for affected residents and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

He also offered condolences to families of the victims and to the government and people of Kwara State, praying for the repose of the dead and support for those left behind.