By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has condemned the recent terrorist attack on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the incident as a cowardly act that claimed the lives of innocent citizens.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ expressed shock over the attack and commiserated with families of victims, noting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) shares in the grief of communities affected by similar violent attacks across the country.
The military authorities commended the resilience of the Woro community and other affected areas, praising residents for resisting attempts by terrorists to coerce or indoctrinate them. According to the DHQ, the attackers had earlier sought permission to conduct preaching and indoctrination activities in Woro village, a request which was rejected by the villagers.
Following the report of the incident, troops were promptly deployed to the area, where they carried out robust patrols and surveillance operations for about two weeks. However, the terrorists later returned and carried out the deadly attack in what the DHQ described as an act of retaliation aimed at instilling fear among the population.
The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Constitution, shared national values and individual beliefs, stressing that unity and resilience remain the country’s strongest defence against violent extremism.
The DHQ also called on citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious or regional background, to resist all forms of ideological indoctrination by extremist groups seeking to impose their beliefs through violence and intimidation.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the Defence Headquarters said efforts are being intensified, in collaboration with other security agencies, to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the attack in Woro and other terrorist activities across the country. It further appealed for enhanced cooperation between citizens and security agencies to safeguard communities and uphold Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
