Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the violent attack on Nuku and Woro communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State is a violation of the residents' rights to practise their religion. Shettima stated this on Saturday while leading a Federal Government delegation to the state following the incident.

On 4 February, terrorists attacked Nuku and Woro communities, killing at least 75 residents and setting several houses ablaze. The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, had attributed the violent attacks to Islamic fundamentalists, prompting President Bola Tinubu to subsequently order the deployment of an army battalion to the Local Government Area.

Speaking during the visit to Kwara, Shettima noted that the victims were practising their religion in the "peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam have instructed". The Vice President confirmed that the Nigerian Army had been deployed to the communities and directed to wipe out the terrorists.

According to a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRazaq, the Vice President said: "That tragic killing had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of communities that were dedicated to building their peaceful livelihoods while they practised their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam have instructed.

"The Kaiama and Baruten, and even the Batonu speaking parts of Old Borgu that spread into Niger and Kebbi States and even overlap into the neighbouring Benin Republic, have been known for practising the most tolerant form of Islam for centuries until an alien religious belief, alien to our history, alien to our tradition, invaded those communities.

"Security issues are sensitive issues. We do not have to divulge most of the actions that have been taken by our security establishment. But I am here fundamentally to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama in particular over the tragic loss of lives."

On his part, the Kwara Governor confirmed that troops of Operation Savannah Shield had been deployed to prevent a recurrence.

"All said, we will continue to work harder and pray for better security in Nigeria and for those committing this evil act to meet their waterloo," the Governor said.