Residents of Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State have disclosed that recent deadly attacks on their areas were carried out after they rejected demands by suspected bandits to abandon the Nigerian Constitution and embrace extremist doctrines.
The revelation comes barely a month after a surge in killings across the North-West, as fresh details emerge on the motives behind the assaults on the two communities, where more than 40 people were reportedly killed in Woro and 37 others in Nuku. Several residents also sustained varying degrees of injuries, while many were abducted. Houses were equally set ablaze during the attacks, which locals described as coordinated and brutal.
Some residents of Woro community, who spoke to our correspondent, alleged that the attackers were members of Boko Haram. They claimed the group had earlier sent two letters to the community, urging residents to renounce the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and adopt their version of Islam. The community reportedly resisted the demands.
A resident, who identified himself as Muhammed Idris (not his real name), described the attack as “dastardly and unfortunate.”
He recounted that community leaders, including Mr Olasunkanmi Olabisi and Mr Moshood Sanusi, had encouraged residents to remain united and resolute after receiving the letters.
Idris disclosed that the two leaders were among the first victims when the attackers struck.
He lamented the absence of adequate security presence in the community despite repeated appeals to government authorities, saying residents had long requested the establishment of at least a police station.
According to him, although the community anticipated a possible attack following the threats, they were overwhelmed by the number of assailants and their superior firepower.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community in large numbers, setting houses on fire and opening fire on fleeing residents.
When our correspondent visited Woro community on Wednesday morning, security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army and local forest guards, were seen in the area in what appeared to be efforts to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
Woro is a rural settlement located on the outskirts of Kwara State, bordering Niger State and the Benin Republic—areas that residents say have experienced repeated incidents of banditry and insurgent activities over the years.
