DHQ Condemns Terrorist Attack on Kwara Community, Calls for National Unity Against Extremism
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has condemned the recent terrorist attack on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing it as a cowardly act that claimed the lives of innocent Nigerians.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ expressed deep shock and sorrow over the attack and extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during the incident.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) commended the courage and resilience displayed by the people of Woro and nearby communities, noting that they refused to yield to intimidation or abandon their way of life despite threats from terrorists.
According to the DHQ, the terrorists had earlier entered Woro village requesting permission to conduct preaching and ideological indoctrination, a request which the villagers firmly rejected. Following the refusal, the military was alerted and promptly deployed troops to the area, conducting robust patrols and surveillance operations for about two weeks.
However, the terrorists later returned after the troops had withdrawn and launched a deadly attack on innocent residents in what the DHQ described as a retaliatory act aimed at instilling fear and punishing the community for resisting extremist influence.
The DHQ urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in the Constitution, their personal beliefs, and the shared values that unite the nation, stressing that unity and resilience remain the country’s strongest defence against terrorism.
It also called on citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious or regional differences, to reject all forms of ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups, warning that such groups seek to impose distorted beliefs through terror and intimidation.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that efforts are being intensified, in collaboration with other security agencies, to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the attack, as well as all terrorists operating across the country.
