President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held an emergency security meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq amid national and international outrage over the massacre of residents in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The meeting came as the United Nations and Türkiye condemned the killings, northern senators called for a sweeping security overhaul, and the Inspector-General of Police deployed tactical units to the affected communities.
The attack, which claimed at least 75 lives according to government figures, has reignited calls for mass recruitment of security personnel, expansion of intelligence capabilities, and stronger federal intervention, with lawmakers warning that worsening rural insecurity poses a grave threat to national stability.
Lawmakers demand urgent security overhaul
The Northern Senators Forum urged the Federal Government to urgently recruit more security personnel and enhance operational capacity to curb violent attacks across the country.
The call followed deadly assaults in Kwara, Katsina, and Benue states, which lawmakers said had claimed over 130 lives. Forum Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua commiserated with the affected communities, saying:
“We acknowledge the efforts of security agencies and urge citizens to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities. However, the Federal Government must urgently increase the recruitment of security personnel and strengthen their capacity to combat these threats.”
Yar’Adua added that the forum remains committed to supporting measures that address the root causes of insecurity and promote national stability.
Police and military response
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational, and intelligence units to Kaiama and surrounding communities. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the death toll of 75 and assured Nigerians that the perpetrators would be apprehended.
“All available resources have been mobilised to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Residents are urged to remain calm and provide credible information to security agencies,” Hundeyin said.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield would restore peace and deter further attacks. Speaking after a closed-door briefing with President Tinubu, he said:
“I’m confident because the force commander of Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Kwara and is hitting the ground running. We rely on the military to do what they do best.”
President Tinubu had on Wednesday ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the creation of a new military command to lead the operation, condemning the attack as cowardly and inhumane.
Community impact and recovery efforts
Governor AbdulRazaq directed the state emergency management agency to mobilize support for victims. He visited Kaiama and Woro communities, where he commiserated with the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar, and residents.
“At least 75 people of the Muslim-majority village lost their lives and properties in this tragic incident,” the governor said.
The Emir explained that the attackers were followers of Mahmuda, who targeted victims rejecting his extremist ideology.
Political and national response
Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas condemned the killings in Kwara and Benue, urging security agencies to uphold their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.
Northern States Governors’ Forum Chairman and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya also condemned the attacks, calling them barbaric and stressing the need for decisive action.
The Peoples Democratic Party criticized the federal government for failing to act on early warnings, describing the military deployment as reactive. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urged direct presidential intervention to curb the insecurity.
International condemnation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks on X, expressing condolences to victims’ families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the killings “heinous” and pledged continued support for Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
Kidnapped Oniwo of Afin released
Oba Simeon Olanipekun, the Oniwo of Afin, who was kidnapped in Ifelodun LGA, regained his freedom after about a month in captivity. His release came reportedly after the payment of an additional N12 million ransom.
The monarch’s son, Olaolu, had been freed two weeks earlier following a separate ransom payment. The Oniwo is currently receiving medical attention for physical and psychological trauma.
Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the monarch’s release but denied knowledge of any ransom payment.
