The United States has condemned the deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the incident as horrific as conflicting casualty figures continue to emerge.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria said more than 160 people were feared dead in the attack, although the final death toll was yet to be confirmed.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara state in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for,” the statement read.
The US expressed condolences to families of the victims, describing the violence as senseless.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” it added.
Casualty figures from the attack have remained inconsistent. While the Nigeria Police Force said 75 people were killed, local sources and international observers have reported significantly higher numbers.
The United States also welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deploy security forces to the affected communities.
“We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice,” the statement said.
The condemnation follows similar reactions from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye over the attack.
In response to the killings, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the creation of a new military command to oversee operations in the area.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also directed the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units to Kaiama and surrounding communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said troops deployed under Operation Savannah Shield were already on the ground, expressing optimism that the security measures would deter further violence.
