Survivors of overnight massacre in Kwara villages speak
The survivors of a brutal jihadist assault on Woro and Nuku in Kwara state have shared harrowing money owed of the violence that left at least seventy five human beings useless and dozens kidnapped.
“They came en masse within the name of faith, and they determined to kill our human beings,” said Abdulla Umar Usman, a former teacher and resident of Woro, explaining how the attack spread out.
“They sent a letter asking to preach. Then they massacred us,” he brought, describing how the community rejected the extremists’ request to unfold what they referred to as a model of Islam that the locals did now not welcome.
traditional Ruler’s family focused
The attackers went directly to the home of the traditional chief, Umar Bio Salihu. Salihu used to be not at domestic on the time, however his toddlers were on the residence.
“2 of the network head’s children, who have been clinical college students, were killed in front of the house earlier than they set it ablaze,” Usman said.
Salihu confirmed the loss and abductions, saying, “They killed 2 of my children and kidnapped my spouse and 3 children.”
night time-long Killing Spree
The militants went on a killing spree that lasted all night time. “They massacred everybody. it’s miles just devastating,” said Mohammed Dauda, a nearby reputable.
Amnesty global suggested that a few of the lifeless have been determined with their hands and ft tied, a few had their throats slit, others were shot useless.
“They killed two of my babies and abducted my spouse and 3 others,” Salihu reiterated, describing the trauma his family suffered.
Militants tried to Impose Their Rule
The attackers reportedly demanded that residents resign the Nigerian government and its constitution and alternatively observe their teachings. Salihu said this was “against what the Quran teaches.”
Isa Sanusi, head of Amnesty global in Nigeria, defined, “these groups had been receiving these pamphlets, soliciting them to enroll in the extremist views and preaching via those militants. when they see a piece of resistance from the people, they then began sending them warnings.”
nearby MP Saidu Baba Ahmed stated the very last letter was despatched to Salihu, who contacted safety forces. however, the navy went to the location in brief to analyze, but after they left, the jihadists released their assault.
safety Lapse Sparks Outrage
Sanusi criticized the failure of security forces: “we are wondering why this protection lapse was once allowed to happen, why the government could not take motion. In reality, they even went to the mosque and prayed there. They pressured some people to head and concentrate to their preaching. that means that they had ample time… sufficient time to do whatever they appreciated.”
communities Left in Ruins
residents and infantrymen began the grim task of burying the bodies. “i used to be among those who buried 30 corpses,” Dauda stated. “we’ve got never experienced this before in Kaiama local authorities area.”
A seventy nine-12 months-antique man informed Reuters that his spouse and 4 children had been abducted. Survivors say the dusty roads around the villages continue to be deserted, and the once-busy markets are empty.
“They knew exactly wherein the vigilantes lived, and they went immediately to assault them,” Salihu said. “They burnt them into ashes… approximately eight of them.”
Troops Deployed
Kwara state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq showed that President Bola Tinubu had authorized the immediate deployment of an military battalion to respond to the attack.
citizens say the attackers possibly emerged from forested regions close to Kainji Lake countrywide Park, wherein militants are recognized to function.
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