The United States has denounced the deadly assault on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, as varying casualty figures from the incident continue to fuel outrage at home and abroad.
Although the Nigerian Police Force said 75 people were confirmed killed in the attack on Woro and Nuku communities, local accounts and international observers have suggested the number of victims may be far higher.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria described the violence as “horrific,” noting that more than 160 people were feared dead, with many others still missing.
“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,” the statement said.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” it added.
The US Mission also commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering the deployment of security forces to the affected areas.
“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 justicce,” the statement said.
The US reaction follows earlier condemnations from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye, adding to growing international concern over the attack.
After the killings, Tinubu approved the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and authorised the establishment of a new military command to oversee operations in the area.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also directed the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units to Kaiama and neighbouring communities to restore order and prevent further violence.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said troops under Operation Savannah Shield had already been deployed, expressing confidence that their presence would help deter additional attacks.
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