Nigeria’s Vice President Visits Kwara as Fresh Attacks Kill 13 in Benue

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has visited Kwara State following a deadly attack in Woro village, Kaiama Local Government Area, as renewed violence in neighbouring Benue State has left at least 13 people dead, highlighting growing security concerns in the country’s north-central region.

Shettima arrived in Kwara on Saturday on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess the situation and convey the federal government’s condolences to affected families. The earlier attack in Woro reportedly claimed the lives of at least 75 residents.

According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the president instructed the vice president to visit the community and engage local authorities on security measures.

“The President has directed that the Vice President assess the situation firsthand and convey federal condolences to the grieving families,” Nkwocha said.

Shettima was received by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other senior officials upon arrival.

Meanwhile, violence has continued in neighbouring Benue State, where at least 13 people were killed in a fresh attack on Anwase Market in Mbaikyor, Kwande Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly stormed the market during peak trading hours, abducted several women, and set market stalls on fire, triggering panic among residents.

Confirming the incident, an aide to the chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Ibi Andrew, said the assailants, whose identities remain unknown, carried out the attack in broad daylight.

The latest assault came just two days after another attack on Abande community in the same local government area, where at least 17 people were killed. The back-to-back incidents have intensified fears of worsening insecurity in rural parts of the state.

Residents have repeatedly called on state and federal authorities to strengthen security operations and improve protection for vulnerable communities facing recurrent attacks.

The African Union has also condemned the wave of violence. In a statement issued on Wednesday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the Kwara attack as a “heinous and barbaric act,” calling it a serious violation of human rights and an unacceptable threat to peace and security.

According to recent estimates, at least 170 people have been killed in separate attacks across north-central Nigeria in recent weeks, raising concerns about the government’s ability to curb escalating insecurity in the region.