Attack on Kwara Community Shocking, Says Shettima
VP condemns violence, blames strange religious belief; FG deploys troops, relief agencies
Ilorin, Nigeria — Vice-President Kashim Shettima has described the recent deadly attack on a community in Kwara State as shocking and deeply disturbing, attributing the violence to a strange and extremist religious belief alien to the long-standing culture of peaceful coexistence in the area.
Shettima, who spoke during a condolence visit to the state on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, condemned the killings and said the assault was a clear violation of citizens’ rights to peaceful living and worship.
According to him, the Federal Government views the incident as an unacceptable act of violence that must be met with decisive security action and justice for the victims.
“The scale and brutality of this attack have shocked the conscience of the nation,” the Vice-President said. “No group has the right to impose its beliefs on others through violence. This is completely against our values as a people.”
The attack occurred in communities within Kaiama Local Government Area, where armed assailants reportedly invaded villages, killing residents and setting houses ablaze. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers attempted to enforce an extremist ideology before launching the assault.
In response, Shettima announced that President Tinubu has approved the deployment of additional security forces, including a battalion of the Nigerian Army, to restore peace and prevent further attacks in the area. He added that security agencies have been directed to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Vice-President also disclosed that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been mobilised to provide relief materials and humanitarian support to displaced families and victims of the violence.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State thanked the Federal Government for its swift intervention, assuring residents that the state government is working closely with security agencies to ensure lasting peace.
Community leaders, traditional rulers, and residents who received the delegation appealed for sustained security presence and assistance to help affected families rebuild their lives.
Shettima urged Nigerians to remain united and resilient, stressing that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting lives and property across the country and preventing the spread of extremist violence into peaceful communities.
