Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirms the presence of Islamic extremists after deadly attacks killed dozens in Kaiama LGA
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Wednesday in Kaiama, Kwara State, confirmed the presence of Islamic extremist elements operating in the state following deadly attacks on rural communities.
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The governor spoke during a visit to Kaiama Local Government Area, accompanied by security chiefs and members of the state executive council.
AbdulRazaq said at least 75 residents were killed in coordinated attacks on Woro and Nuku villages on Tuesday evening.
He described the killings as a brutal and cowardly massacre carried out by extremists frustrated by the communities’ refusal to accept what he called a perverted doctrine.
According to the governor, the attackers did not kidnap or loot but deliberately targeted residents for resisting ideological coercion.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attacks, which reportedly began at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said security forces had been deployed to the affected areas, while investigations continue into the exact casualty figures and reports of missing persons.
A video shared by the Kwara State Government showed AbdulRazaq addressing traditional rulers and survivors at a palace in Kaiama, flanked by senior military officers.
The governor said intelligence briefings pointed to organised extremist cells seeking to impose altered religious beliefs on the communities.
AbdulRazaq announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to the area. He said the troops would operate under Operation Savannah Shield to launch decisive counter-offensives against the attackers.
Security operations have since intensified across Kaiama and neighbouring communities as authorities move to prevent further violence.
The governor’s acknowledgement of extremist activity in parts of the state comes amid lingering concerns over earlier incidents of religious intolerance, including an arson attack on the residence of a traditional worshipper, Mrs. T. A. Olorisha, in Ilorin earlier this year.
Mrs. Olorisha’s house in the Isale Koko area of the state capital was reportedly set ablaze on January 1, 2026, while she was away, after she allegedly received threats linked to her traditional religious practice. Police later confirmed that suspects were arrested and investigations launched into the incident, which was widely believed to have been motivated by religious differences. ([Channels Television][1])
The incident drew public criticism after reports indicated that the state government did not immediately issue a formal response condemning the attack, sparking concerns among civil society groups and residents about rising religious tension in the state.
Observers have noted that the recent rural attacks and earlier incidents of faith-based violence highlight growing security and ideological challenges facing communities in Kwara, raising calls for stronger protection of religious freedom and cultural coexistence across the state.
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Authorities have, however, reiterated commitments to safeguarding lives and property, with security agencies continuing investigations into both the Kaiama killings and previous acts of religiously motivated violence.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
