Vice-President Kashim Shettima has described the violent assault on Nuku and Woro communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State as a violation of the residents’ fundamental right to practise their religion.
On Saturday, Shettima led a federal government delegation to Kwara State in response to the attack.
On February 4, terrorists invaded the Nuku and Woro communities, killing no fewer than 75 people and setting several houses on fire.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq had earlier attributed the attacks to Islamic fundamentalists.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the affected local government area.
Speaking during the visit, Shettima said the victims were engaged in worship in a “peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam have instructed”.
The vice-president disclosed that the Nigerian Army has been deployed to the communities with clear directives to eliminate the terrorists.
“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,” Shettima said in a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the governor.
He added that Kaiama and Baruten, including Batonu-speaking areas of Old Borgu extending into Niger and Kebbi states and even parts of the Benin Republic, had for centuries practised a tolerant form of Islam before what he described as “an alien religious belief” infiltrated the 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,” he stated.
In his remarks, Governor Abdulrazaq confirmed that troops under Operation Savannah Shield have been deployed to forestall further attacks.
“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.