DHQ condemns terrorist attack on Woro community, vows to hunt down perpetrators

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has condemned what it described as a “cowardly” terrorist attack on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, which led to the loss of innocent lives.

The military authorities also disclosed that troops were promptly deployed to the area after intelligence reports indicated plans by terrorists to carry out attacks, assuring Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to bring those responsible to justice.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) received early warning of terrorist activities and immediately responded with security measures.

“On receipt of information, troops were promptly dispatched to dominate the general areas with robust patrols and surveillance, among other security measures, for about two weeks,” he said.

Major General Uba expressed deep sorrow over the killings, noting that the military stands in solidarity with families who lost loved ones in the attack and similar incidents across the country.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria mourns with the families of those who have lost loved ones in these and other brutal attacks on defenceless citizens who are simply defending their communities, values and freedom,” he said.

He recalled that the assailants initially entered Woro village under the guise of seeking permission to conduct preaching and ideological indoctrination, a request that was firmly rejected by the villagers.

According to him, security agencies were informed of the development and took preventive action, but the terrorists later returned weeks after, killing innocent residents in what the DHQ described as an act of retaliation and intimidation.

“The resilient people of Woro and neighbouring communities stood firm against violent coercion and refused to abandon their way of life and constitutional loyalty despite threats,” Uba said, commending their courage and resilience.

The DHQ urged Nigerians to remain united and steadfast in their commitment to the Constitution, national values and peaceful coexistence, stressing that unity remains the country’s strongest defence against extremism.

“The unity and resilience of the Nigerian people are our greatest defence against those who seek to destroy our peace and stability,” the statement said.

The military also called on citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious or regional background, to resist ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups bent on imposing their beliefs through terror and intimidation.

Reaffirming its mandate, the Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, will intensify operations to track down and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

“Efforts will continue to be intensified to find and bring to account those responsible for this dastardly act and indeed all terrorists operating in the country,” the statement added.

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