The United States has formally condemned the violent attack on communities within Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, amid divergent reports regarding the number of casualties arising from the incident, which has generated widespread national and international concern.
While the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that at least 75 persons were killed during the attack on the Woro and Nuku communities, accounts from local sources and international observers suggest that the number of fatalities may be substantially higher.
In an official statement issued on Friday via its X platform, the United States Mission in Nigeria described the incident as “horrific,” indicating that more than 160 individuals were feared dead, with several others reportedly missing or unaccounted for.
The statement expressed the United States’ unequivocal condemnation of the attack and conveyed condolences to the families and communities affected by what it characterized as senseless violence.
The Mission further welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive authorizing the deployment of security forces to the affected areas, as well as his instruction to relevant federal and state authorities to provide humanitarian assistance and ensure that those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice.
The U.S. response adds to a growing body of international reactions, following earlier condemnations issued by the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye.
In response to the incident, President Tinubu approved the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and sanctioned the establishment of a new military command to oversee security operations in the area. Additionally, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units to Kaiama and adjoining communities to restore public order and forestall further violence.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed that troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield had been deployed and stated that the security presence is intended to deter further attacks and stabilize the affected communities.#newsafro_
