The United Nations, the United States and Türkiye have condemned the killings in Kwara State, describing the attack as heinous.
In separate statements, the organisations said the assault left about 75 people dead and several others injured. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a post on X, strongly condemned the 3 February terrorist attack in Kwara State and offered his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, the people of Nigeria and the government, while wishing the injured a swift recovery.
The United States Mission in Nigeria also denounced the attack, describing it as horrific. It said the violence claimed many lives, with the death toll still unconfirmed and several people unaccounted for. The mission expressed deep sympathy with affected families and welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to deploy security forces, protect vulnerable communities, provide humanitarian assistance and ensure that those responsible face justice.
Türkiye’s government said it was deeply saddened by the attack. In a statement, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the violence, extended condolences to bereaved families and reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Gunmen attacked Woro and the neighbouring Nuku communities on Tuesday, killing at least 75 people, burning shops and a traditional ruler’s residence, and forcing residents to flee. While some reports suggested higher casualties, authorities confirmed the figure at 75.
Following the attack, the Inspector-General of Police ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational and intelligence assets to Kaiama Local Government Area. The Nigerian Police Force described the incident as tragic and confirmed that officers have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq described the attack as a “pure massacre” and confirmed that authorities had already buried at least 75 victims. President Tinubu has also approved the deployment of an army battalion to reinforce security under Operation Savannah Shield. Political groups, including a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Northern States Governors’ Forum, have condemned the killings as barbaric and reflective of worsening insecurity in the region.