Survivors of the deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have begun recounting chilling details of the assault that left dozens dead, many injured, and scores abducted.
The Tuesday attack, described as brutal and coordinated, has thrown the communities into mourning, with residents still recovering bodies from nearby bushes for mass burials. Reports indicate that over a hundred victims have already been buried, while injured survivors are receiving treatment in Ilorin, including at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital.
Many survivors say the attackers initially gained access to the area by deception.
One victim, who is currently receiving treatment, described how he narrowly escaped death.
“I narrowly escaped death. I was on a bike approaching my house when three of them on bikes stopped me. One shot me in the thigh to test if the bullet would penetrate. They left me bleeding, and I was later rescued and brought to Ilorin for treatment.”
He added that his surgery has been delayed due to shortages of donated blood, noting that only one pint has been provided so far.
Another survivor, Joshua Deme, described how the attackers surrounded the village and unleashed violence on residents.
“While I was in town buying detergent, I heard sporadic gunfire. The attackers surrounded the village, with young ones shooting and older ones burning houses. The one who shot me was not more than 15 years old. Those trying to escape were pursued on motorbikes and gunned down in the bush. I am lucky my wife and children escaped; they are on their way to Jos.”
Usman Bangoro, a miner from Tambuwal in Sokoto State, also survived the attack despite suffering severe injuries.
“I was washing minerals when gunfire erupted. They wore army uniforms, but they were not soldiers. Bullets pierced my right thigh, breaking the bone. I’ve lived in this community for over ten years, and it is only by God’s grace that I survived.”
Medical personnel caring for victims highlighted the scale of devastation recorded during the attack.
“All attackers came armed. Anyone running inside their homes was burnt along with the house. Many bodies are still being recovered from the bush.”
Health officials said of those taken to Ilorin, two required thigh surgeries, while six others were transferred to Kainji General Hospital for advanced treatment.
Community sources revealed that the attackers abducted 75 persons, including women and children, and also planted a bomb along the Kaiama road, destroying a trailer transporting soya beans.
Residents said the casualty figures were worsened because the attack coincided with a wedding ceremony and youth activities, including a football match, leaving many villagers exposed when the gunmen struck.
Survivors have called on government authorities to take decisive action, including clearing nearby forests believed to serve as hideouts for armed groups.
One villager, reflecting on the incident, said:
“The way our attackers behaved showed they neither feared God nor believed they would die. We have lived peacefully for years until Tuesday’s attack.”
