The Republic of Türkiye has condemned the deadly terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the assault as heinous and expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish government said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the terrorist attack that took place in Nigeria’s Kwara State.”
“We strongly condemn this heinous attack and extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria. Türkiye will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja disclosed that the attack on Woro and neighbouring communities was carried out by terrorists angered by the villagers’ refusal to submit to ideological indoctrination.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the incident as a “cowardly terrorist attack” that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. The DHQ expressed condolences to the affected families and communities.
According to reports, more than 170 residents were killed during the attack, which occurred on Tuesday.
The DHQ explained that the assailants had earlier visited Woro village seeking permission to conduct preaching and indoctrination sessions, a request the villagers reportedly rejected. Following the initial encounter, troops were deployed to the area and maintained patrols, surveillance, and other security measures for about two weeks.
“However, weeks after the troops withdrew, the cowardly terrorists returned to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others,” the statement said.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) commended residents of Woro and surrounding communities for their resilience and refusal to abandon their way of life or constitutional loyalty despite threats.
“The AFN mourns with the families of those who have lost loved ones in these and other similar brutal attacks on defenceless citizens defending community values and freedom across Nigeria,” the military said.
The DHQ urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in the Constitution and to resist ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups, warning that such groups seek to impose distorted beliefs through terror and intimidation.
It also called for stronger cooperation between citizens and security agencies, stressing that unity and resilience remain Nigeria’s strongest defence against terrorism.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the DHQ said efforts were being intensified, in collaboration with other security agencies, to track down and prosecute those responsible for the Woro attack and other terrorist acts across the country.
Earlier, Amnesty International condemned what it described as an alarming escalation of killings and abductions for ransom across Nigeria, warning that the continued bloodshed reflects a failure of authorities to adequately protect lives and property.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the global human rights organisation said Nigerians were increasingly unsafe as gunmen and criminal gangs operate with near-total impunity across several states.
Amnesty described Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as a “Bloody Tuesday,” citing coordinated attacks in Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State, Doma Tafoki in Katsina State, and Abande in Benue State, where dozens of residents were reportedly killed.
“Alarming escalation of attacks, abductions for ransom and frequent killings across Nigeria have left people feeling more unsafe, showing the utter failure of Nigerian authorities to protect lives and property,” the organisation said.
