In one of the deadliest assaults in recent years, over 162 people were killed in a terrorist attack that struck communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, late Tuesday night, February 3, 2026. The violence, carried out by heavily armed bandits, left entire villages in flames and residents in shock and mourning.
Among the confirmed victims was Salihu Bio Khalid, a Midwifery student at the Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences (KWASCONS) and former President of the institution’s Student Union Government. Khalid and his brother reportedly died during the attack, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the killings that spared neither the young nor the elderly.
The Red Cross, working alongside local authorities, confirmed the toll at 162 fatalities, with fears that the number may rise as more bodies are recovered from the devastated communities. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, saying that attackers rounded up villagers, tied them, and executed them before setting homes and shops ablaze. Many fleeing residents took refuge in surrounding bushlands, while others remain missing.
A mass burial for 75 victims took place in Woro community on Wednesday, attended by grieving families and local leaders. Community members described the scene as “heartbreaking,” with many vowing to remain united in the face of the tragedy.
Reacting to the incident, the Kwara State Government condemned the attack as a “cowardly act” and promised support for victims’ families. State officials called on the Federal Government to increase security in vulnerable rural areas, including deploying additional troops to prevent further massacres.
Political leaders, including the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and the Senator representing Kwara Central, expressed deep sorrow over the attack. They urged national authorities to act swiftly to secure affected communities and prevent such violence from recurring.
Civil society groups, student organizations, and human rights advocates have also condemned the killings, emphasizing the urgent need for heightened security measures and protection for students and rural residents.
This attack in Kwara underscores Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges in rural and border communities, where armed groups have expanded their operations in recent years. As authorities continue rescue and recovery operations, national and local agencies are coordinating humanitarian aid for survivors and families of the deceased.
The tragic loss of lives, including that of a promising nursing student leader, has renewed calls for decisive action from security agencies and government authorities to ensure that communities in Kwara and beyond are safeguarded against such brutal acts of terror.
