BREAKING: GOV. ABDULRAZAQ CONFIRMS MASSACRE IN KAIAMA, TINUBU APPROVES ARMY DEPLOYMENT

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed that at least 75 local Muslims were killed in a violent attack on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who arrived in Kaiama late Tuesday night alongside top security chiefs and members of the state executive council, said the victims were massacred for refusing to submit to extremists promoting what he described as a “strange and violent doctrine.”

Governor AbdulRazaq, who commiserated with affected families and community leaders, condemned the attack as barbaric and an assault on peaceful coexistence in the area.

He assured residents that the state and federal governments were taking decisive steps to restore security and prevent further attacks.

According to the governor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to the affected axis to strengthen security operations.

The deployment will be carried out under a counter-offensive initiative codenamed Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at flushing out criminal and extremist elements operating in the region.

AbdulRazaq said the operation would involve coordinated efforts by the Nigerian Army, other security agencies, and local intelligence networks to secure Kaiama and neighbouring communities.

The governor was received on arrival by the Emir of Kaiama and other traditional rulers, who briefed him on the security situation and the humanitarian needs of displaced residents.

He also visited some of the affected areas and held closed-door meetings with security commanders.

As of press time, security agencies had intensified patrols across Kaiama and adjoining local government areas, while residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing credible information.

The Kwara State Government said further updates would be provided as security operations continue and relief measures are put in place for affected communities.