Northern groups condemn killings in Kwara, Katsina, demand security reforms

By Gabriel Ewepu 

ABUJA – NORTHERN groups under the auspices of Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, yesterday, vehemently condemned recent deadly terrorist attacks carried out between 3rd and 4th February 2026, in Kwara and Katsina States.

The terrorists unchallenged carried out the deadly attack in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, where over 100 persons including children were gruesomely killed.

The Coalition also condemned another grave attack in Katsina State, where over 20 people were killed by suspected bandits in Doma community, Tafoki Ward of Faskari Local Government Area.

According to a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, reliable sources from local authorities and community indicate that scores of residents were killed in the Kwara attacks, with casualty figures running into over 100, while many others sustained serious injuries.

Charanchi lamented the quantum of destruction of lives and property including homes, shops and farmlands by the terrorists, which devastated survivors, mostly women, children and the elderly, who fled their communities.

He said: “The attackers reportedly stormed the community in a coordinated assault, unleashing violence on residents, destroying homes, and forcing survivors to flee, once again exposing the persistent vulnerability of rural communities to armed criminal groups.

“The Coalition extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those brutally murdered in this senseless attack. We also express our heartfelt sympathy to the injured and to all residents who have been displaced and traumatised by this act of terror. 

“The pain, grief and insecurity inflicted on these communities are unacceptable and must not be normalised. The people and communities, like all Nigerians, have the fundamental right to live in safety and dignity. 

“The scale and brutality of this attack highlight the growing threat of terrorism and banditry spreading, and expose the dangerous gaps in the country’s security architecture, particularly in rural and border communities.”

Meanwhile, the CNG called on the Federal Government to ensure speedy widespread recruitment and training of the Forest Guards to complement security forces across the frontline areas. 

The Coalition finally called on Nigerians to remain united, resilient and peaceful in the face of provocation, while urging leaders at all levels to rise to the gravity of the moment.

He also emphasized that the protection of Nigerians remains the primary responsibility of the government.

“We welcome the approach as we believe those guards that would be drawn from the communities would be instrumental in combating terrorists and bandits in every nooks and crannies of our communities.

“While the Coalition acknowledges the sacrifices and efforts of security personnel on the front lines, the persistence of such deadly attacks shows that current responses remain inadequate. 

“There is an urgent need for a more decisive, intelligence-driven and people-centred security strategy that prioritises the protection of lives over reactive damage control.

“The CNG therefore renews its call on the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to take immediate and concrete steps to secure vulnerable communities, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve early warning systems, and ensure visible security presence in high-risk areas”, he said.

He called for urgent attention to the survivors to provide timely relief, medical care and other support while ensuring that those responsible for this atrocity are swiftly identified and brought to justice.

“Beyond immediate security measures, this tragedy underscores the need to confront the deeper drivers of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and governance failures that allow violent groups to thrive”, he added.

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