UN, US, Condemn Kwara Attack As Turkey Pledges Support To Fight Terrorism

The United Nations, the United States, and Türkiye have condensed the deadly attack in Kwara State, describing it as a brutal and unacceptable act of violence.

In a separate statement, the organisations and governments condemned the assault, which reportedly killed at least 75 people and injured many others.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, posting on X, said, “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 3 February in Kwara State, Nigeria.

“My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims & to the people & government of Nigeria. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”

The United States Mission in Nigeria also released a statement condemning what it called a horrific incident.

It wrote: “The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence. We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice.”

Türkiye’s government said it was “deeply saddened” by the terrorist attack.

In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country  reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

“We strongly condemn this heinous attack and extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria. Türkiye will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism,” its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on its website.

The attack occurred when gunmen stormed Woro and nearby Nuku communities, killing residents, setting shops ablaze, destroying the home of a traditional ruler, and forcing many people to flee.