Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday received Vice President Kashim Shetima on a condolence visit to the State over the recent terrorist attack in Woro (Kaiama) in which at least 75 innocent lives were lost.
In an address at the Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin, the Vice President called the attack an unacceptable violation of people’s right to peaceful practice of their faith, saying the size of the carnage shocked Nigerians.
On his entourage were Borno Governor Babagana Umara Zulum; Senator Ali Ndume; Senator Emmanuel Udende; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar; and Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Engr Jennifer Adighije.
They were received by AbdulRazaq with Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North); Rep. Mukhtar Tolani Sagaya; Kwara House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi; cabinet members; Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar; Chairman, Kaiama Local Government, Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi; and State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi; among other dignitaries.
Shetima conveyed the sympathy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Governor AbdulRazaq, the people of Kaiama, and the entire Kwara State on the incident, and prayed to Allah to grant the deceased Al-jannah Firdaus.
“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State by extension over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026,” he said.
“That tragic killing had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of communities that were dedicated to building their peaceful livelihoods while they practised their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam have instructed.
“The Kaiama and Baruten, and even the Batonu speaking parts of Old Borgu that spread into Niger and Kebbi States and even overlap into the neighbouring Benin Republic, have been known for practising the most tolerant form of Islam for centuries until an alien religious belief, alien to our history, alien to our tradition, invaded those communities.”
Shetima said a battalion of the Nigerian Army has been deployed to wipe the threats off Kaiama and environs, saying all hands are on deck to ensure that peace and tranquillity is restored to those communities.
“Security issues are sensitive issues. We do not have to divulge most of the actions that have been taken by our security establishment. But I am here fundamentally to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama in particular over the tragic loss of lives and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony that our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you,” he added.
“May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and reward them with his Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant the families and the people of Kaiama the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.”
The VP said the President has instructed the Director General of NEMA to mobilise all resources in partnership with the state emergency management agency in support of the distressed communities.
AbdulRazaq hailed the President for his swift actions, including the immediate deployment of soldiers and police tactical teams to the affected communities.
“We thank the President and the Vice President for this visit. We appreciate you for coming to Kwara over the sad incident that happened in Woro, Kaiama Local Government. The response of the Federal Government has been very swift and we are grateful,” the Governor said, adding that he was confounded by the scale of the violence when he visited Woro on Wednesday.
He confirmed that the troops of Operation Savannah Shield are already being deployed to prevent a recurrence.
“As you can see, you were welcomed at the airport this morning by the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division of Nigerian Army. Police DIG (Operations) is on ground. Representatives of the NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened. We do really appreciate the response of the Federal Government,” he added.
“All said, we will continue to work harder and pray for better security in Nigeria and for those committing this evil act to meet their waterloo.
We will continue to pray and support our President and Vice President for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”
Speaking on behalf of Northeastern States, Governor Zulum also sympathised with the people of Kwara, and prayed Allah to bless the departed souls.
“As Muslims, we believe in destiny and In-Sha Allahu, this will not happen again. Our prayers are with you, and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive the departed souls and grant them Janatul firdaus,” he said.
Kaiama LG Chairman, Abdullahi and the Emir, Alhaji Omar, in their separate remarks, appreciated the President for his support and VP Kashima Shetima for the visit.
They also acknowledged Governor AbdulRazaq’s immediate steps and his visit to Kaiama for condolence.
Recall how agents of death dispatched more than 100 residents into early graves
How ex-students’ union leader, brother were killed in deadly attack
Community battles post-attack trauma
50 survivors hospitalised
State of Harmony is how the sobriquet for Kwara goes. But in recent times, the harmony has been intermittently disrupted in parts of the state by non-state actors, including terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, among other anti-social elements.
Before now, the hotbeds of the goons were restricted to Isin, Ifelodun, Ekiti and Oke-Ero local government areas in Kwara South as well as Edu, Patigi in Kwara North. The terrorists use the massive forest that links Kwara North and South as hideout to unleash deadly attacks on the affected communities.
Thankfully, in the last three weeks, with a combined military operations deployed by the Federal Government, the activities of the bandits had abated in the beleaguered villages, thus restoring relative peace in the affected Lgs.
Then came another bolt from the blue—Tuesday’s deadly attacks on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area, also in Kwara North. Before they struck, the religious extremists had notified the community that they were coming to preach a strange doctrine to the people. Between 5 pm and 6 pm on the ill-fated day, when darkness had not descended on the surface of the earth, the religious extremists came in Gestapo form.
The terrorists were said to have hibernated in the old Kianji National Park between Kwara and Niger states to carry out their deadly and senseless killings. A younger brother to the head of Woro community, Umar Ali, said the attackers invaded the community at about 5 pm, arriving on motorcycles and surrounding the town before opening fire from different directions.
“They came around 5 pm, completely surrounded the community and started shooting sporadically from all angles, so nobody could escape,” he said.
He explained that residents who attempted to flee were shot, while those who surrendered were gathered at the palace of the village head, where they were tied up and killed. He added that some victims were burnt alive inside shops and houses after the attackers locked them in and set the buildings ablaze.
“We physically counted 75 corpses within the town, but people are suggesting the number of those abducted, especially women, could be over 100,” he added.
He further revealed that the wife of the traditional ruler, Hauwa Umar, his mother and three of his children were among those abducted during the attack.
“The village head’s wife, his mother and three of his children are missing. That makes five people from his household unaccounted for,” he added.
Ali said the community was thrown into panic, with many residents fleeing their homes, leaving the town almost deserted.
“The people are scared and the community is nearly empty. What we need now is increased security presence to restore confidence and allow people to return,” he said.
He noted that there had been prior intelligence reports of a possible attack, which were reportedly communicated to the local government authorities and shared with higher levels of government.
He added that soldiers had earlier patrolled the area a day the attackers were suspected to be planning to strike, which he believed discouraged them at the time.
However, Ali said there was no security presence during Tuesday’s attack, and that security operatives only arrived after many victims had died from gunshot wounds due to lack of immediate medical attention.
In his narration, a survivor, who doubles as the head of Woro village, Alhaji Umar Saliu Tanko, said he was not at home when the bandits arrived. He said that in anger, the bandits killed his daughter, two sons and abducted his younger wife with two other persons.
He said: “I was away in my shop where I sell goods when armed bandits arrived my resident on Tuesday evening. My daughter and two sons were shot dead while my second wife and two others were abducted.”
Another survivor, Razaq Abdulazeez, said he resides on outskirts of the village and was returning home late in the afternoon when he saw people running out of the village.
He said: “I was returning home from work when I saw people running towards my area. I asked what was happening and I was told that they were running to escape the wrath of bandits who had come to attack the community.
“I raced towards my house, packed my family members and we escaped into the far away bush on the outskirts of the community. Many who could not run out of town escaped to the top of trees to avoid bandits’ attack.”
Students of the state College of Nursing Sciences (KWASCONS), Oke-Ode identified one Salihu Bio Khalid as a victim of the ruthless killings. Khalid, said to be a student of Midwifery and former President of the Student Union Government (SUG), was reportedly killed alongside his brother in the senseless attacks.
In a statement by the state Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Comrades (NANC) Babatunde Muhammad Jamiu, Vice Chairman (Academic) Ahmed Ridwan Ayinde, and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Taofeeq Islamiyah Opeyemi, the association said the incident had plunged the KWASCONS community and the student body across Kwara State into shock and mourning.
“Senator Salihu Bio Khalid was a committed and courageous student leader whose dedication to student welfare, unionism, and service to his institution stood as a testament to purposeful leadership.
“His contributions to the student movement will remain indelible in our collective memory.
“On behalf of NANC Kwara axis, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, the leadership of the student union government, and the entire students of KWASCONS.
“We pray that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and gives the bereaved family, loved ones, and the entire student community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Beyond condolences, NANC Kwara axis strongly condemns the rising spate of insecurity threatening the lives of students and citizens across the state.
“The continued loss of innocent lives to banditry and violent attacks is unacceptable and calls for serious, decisive, and emergency intervention.
“We hereby urge the Kwara State Government and relevant security agencies to:
Immediately strengthen security architecture around student-populated areas and major transit routes.
Conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Engage stakeholders, including student bodies and civil society groups, in proactive security planning.”
Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Omar Muazu and the state Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq had described the attacks as a massacre.
Seventy-five corpses recovered from the violent attacks were on Wednesday morning given a mass burial, the monarch revealed.
Alhaji Muazu said this in Kaiama on Wednesday night during a condolence visit by Governor AbdulRazaq.
Regretting the sad incident, the emir said “it is unfortunate that we lost very large number of people. This is one of the largest massacres at the same time in Nigeria.
“At the last count, 75 corpses were given mass burial. These exclude the Christians and non-indigenes who had taken their family members’ corpses away for burial.
“Some corpses are still in the bush, so the figure is likely to go up. Woro is now a ghost community. Everybody has deserted the place.
“A lot of people, mostly women and children, were kidnapped and taken into the bush. The incident started like isolated one long ago after they captured Mahmuda. But this one is a massacre.
“They gave a notice that they were coming to preach and nobody objected to their coming. Instead, they came to murder our people.
“The terrorists are at the edge of the Kianji National Park. The park is very large and porous. It is only a consolidated military operation between Niger and Kwara states that can uproot them.
“The most unfortunate, some of our boys have joined them. The boys are the informants as well as participants.”
Speaking, Governor AbdulRazaq said the refusal of the community members to succumb to perverted Islamic doctrine and faith was behind the gruesome killings.
He said: “It is sad that we are here today to commiserate with you over the death of 75 of your subjects in Woro. From our information, this village refused to succumb to a perverted form Islamic doctrine.
“Because these people refused a change of Islamic doctrine and faith, they were attacked and massacred.
“This action was different from kidnapping for ransom. This is just pure massacre. It is highly condemnable.
“At the moment, the state emergency service is going to look for how to take care of family members of the deceased. This is a major challenge to tackle now.
“They have murdered sleep and they will sleep no more. I can assure you that within one month the whole place will be flooded with soldiers.”
He applauded President Bola Tinubu for his prompt action.
“We appreciate the president for approving the immediate deployment of battalion of soldiers under Operation Savannah to the area.
“Hitherto, Baruten, Kaiama local government areas and part of Kianji National Park are supposed to be under another military operation.
“But now there will be a major operation here directly headquartered in Kwara State with a battalion of soldiers coming to make sure this place is safe.
“We know that the challenges we have here are from further North and across the border. But these challenges will be mitigated.”
Recounting the unsavoury situation, Kaiama Local Government Council chairman, Abubakar Danladi, said the scene of the number of deaths and charred bodies was similar to horror films.
He said: “As a medical doctor, I have not seen such a horrifying scene.
“As they came they went straight to the village head’s house and killed his two graduate medical doctor children (male and female).
“It means we have bad eggs among us who are giving them information about our communities.
“They got to the village head’s house, asked for keys his two vehicles, vandalized the vehicles and set his house ablaze.
“The next thing they did was to enter the house and abducted his wife with some of his little kids. They used the village head’s vehicles to ferry away the abductees.
“It is highly disheartening and disconcerting that even we wanted to buy water in this community but could not get, because all the roadside shops have been burnt down.
“What is more horrifying is the setting ablaze of young 12 vigilante members who were seated in their office.
“This is because their guns bullets could not do anything to the boys.”
More than 50.survivors of the bloody attacks are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. They sustained varying degrees of injury during the attack
The Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Umar, paid a visit to the survivors. The lawmaker sympathised with those suffering from gunshot wounds and other injuries, describing the incident as heartbreaking and prayed for their speedy recovery.
He also reassured the victims of his continued support during their period of recovery.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the deployment of security personnel under Operation Savannah Shield to restore peace and track down perpetrators of the attack.
Senator Umar also commended Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what he described as swift intervention, particularly the directive to the State Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials for affected persons.
The senator called for sustained security operations across Kwara North, noting that the district has continued to experience security challenges.
He urged residents to remain united, hopeful, and prayerful, while reaffirming his commitment to the wellbeing of his constituents and praying for lasting peace in the region.
Also, the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, urged the security agencies in the country to brace up for more effort to address the insurgency in some parts of the state in order to reduce incessant cases of killing of innocent residents.
Rt. Hon. Danladi-Salihu made the appeal in a statement issued in Ilorin in the aftermath of the recent massacre of some residents of both Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state by suspected terrorists.
He said: “I am calling for intensified military action against the perpetrators.
“Furthermore, I urge our communities to cooperate fully with security agencies to bring an end to these killings once and for all.”
The speaker condemned the senseless violence in the strongest terms, calling for an immediate escalation of military operations along the axis bordering Niger State to flush out criminal elements.
“I commiserate with His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kaiama, and the families of the victims of this horrific attack,” Speaker Danladi-Salihu said.
He sympathised with the Emir of Kaima, Dr. Muazu Omar, and the families of those affected by the incident.
He noted that as military pressure increases across various parts of the state, “elements of destabilization” may attempt to divert attention or seek refuge in new areas.
Also, the senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district of the state at the National Assembly, Saliu Mustapha, called for more troops to the two affected communities to check the activities of terrorists in the state.
In a condolence message he personally signed, Senator Mustapha said he received the “distressing news of the tragic attacks on innocent civilians” with deep sadness.
He described the incident as a senseless act that underscores the urgent need for unity, vigilance and stronger community cooperation in tackling insecurity.
The senator urged residents of the affected areas and the entire state to remain calm, support security agencies, and promptly report suspicious movements to help safeguard their communities.
Senator Mustapha also commended the state government for its swift response and proactive steps to protect citizens.
He further appreciated the efforts of security agencies in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening peace in the state.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has also condemned the latest gruesome attack carried out by bandits on Woro and Nuku communities in the late hours of Tuesday.
A statement issued by the PDP signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, described the attack as a despicable, inhuman and callous act of wickedness that no human should ever inflict on fellow human beings.
“We, therefore, call on the Kwara State Government to immediately deploy humanitarian aid, relief materials and medical support to Woro community and other affected victims to help them navigate the trauma and destruction caused by this attack.
“We also call on security agencies, in the interest of justice and public safety, to intensify efforts to track down these criminal elements and ensure they are brought to book for the evil they have unleashed on innocent and defenseless people.
The state police command also described the elements as religious extremists.
Spokesperson of the state command Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said that “preliminary findings gathered at the scene indicates that the hoodlums, suspected to be religious extremists stormed the community, opening fire sporadically, killing victims while houses and shops were set ablaze.
“A Joint Security Team comprising the Police, Military, and National Forest Guards have since been deployed and are currently on ground to maintain law and order, prevent further attacks, and reassure residents of their safety.
“A full-scale investigation has been launched to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
“The command extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Woro Community during this moment of grief while praying for the repose of their souls.
“We urge residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly provide credible information that may aid ongoing operations.”
A group, the Asiwaju Grassroots Alliance Initiative (AGAIN), has intensified mobilisation efforts across Kwara State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) membership e-registration exercise enters its final days, urging residents to complete the process before the January 30 deadline.
AGAIN, a registered pro-Tinubu grassroots organisation, described the exercise as a critical step towards strengthening grassroots participation and consolidating support for progressive governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking on the mobilisation drive, the founder of the group, Hussein Afolabi, said the initiative aligns with AGAIN’s commitment to deepening grassroots engagement.
“This mobilisation effort aligns with our commitment to taking the Renewed Hope Agenda directly to the people by strengthening party structures at the ward and polling unit levels.
“A strong, inclusive and active party membership is essential to sustaining the gains of the current administration and consolidating support for progressive leadership.”
To ensure that prospective members are not excluded due to technical challenges or registration difficulties, Afolabi said the group has opened dedicated support hotlines to assist registrants in the remaining days of the exercise.
He added that volunteers and coordinators across the Moro Local Government Area and other parts of the state have been deployed to guide applicants through the registration process and promptly resolve challenges.
Afolabi urged eligible Nigerians who believe in progress, unity, inclusivity, and sustainable development to remain politically active by registering and encouraging others to do the same, adding that “the future is progressive, and it starts with you.”
Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin yesterday convicted three persons of kidnapping, armed robbery and rape.
The court also sentenced the convicts to death by hanging.
The offences were committed against one Mr Olubunmi Komolafe and his wife, Mrs Adeola Morenikeji at their farm, in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The trial judge, Justice Funsho Lawal while handing down the verdict, said the convicts: Patrick Afedia Adams, Tijani Usman and Ahmed Muhammad were sentenced on four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, rape, armed robbery and kidnapping.
The judge said on June 15,, last year at Kanjile village, near Kulende, Ilorin, the convicts armed with cutlasses and axes robbed the complainants of their valuables and also kidnapped them.
“Having being charged with the offence of conspiracy, they will suffer the same punishments for other count charge as armed robber and kidnapping except for Usman Tijani who bagged 20 years jail term in addition to the offence of rape,” the judge ruled.
For the armed robbery, the court sentenced them to live imprisonment, death by hanging for kidnapping and additional 20 years’ imprisonment for the offence of rape on Usman Tijani.
According to the judge, the convicts while holding their victims hostage during the operation, demanded payment of five million as ransom and ordered that it should be transferred into the wife’s account in which it was done.
The judgment further said they demanded the wife’s account details to withdraw the money and only N4,000 was withdrawn as at the time of their arrest.
The court heard how the convicts tied up the complainants with ropes, and Usman raped the wife, Mrs Morenikeji.
Justice Lawal said the prosecution proved the case of rape beyond reasonable doubt against the convict with medical reports and other ingredients that collaborate the convict’s confession that he penetrated into Mrs Adeola’s.
Justice Lawal however informed the convicts that they have right of appeal within the stipulated time by law.
A human rights group, Womanifesto, has condemned the alleged violent attack on women who staged a peaceful protest at the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin, calling for urgent action over worsening insecurity in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The condemnation was contained in a press release issued by the group’s co-convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, who described the assault as unjustified and deeply troubling.
Akiyode-Afolabi said the women were neither criminals nor political actors, but wives, mothers, and caregivers seeking answers over the abduction of their husbands and children, some of whom have remained in captivity for months without meaningful government intervention. She described the protest as a desperate call for protection and justice.
She reiterated that peaceful protest is a constitutional right of every Nigerian citizen, stressing that any attack on individuals exercising this right, particularly within the premises of a government institution, amounts to a grave indictment of the state and raises serious concerns about women’s safety and the government’s responsibility to protect citizens.
While acknowledging the Kwara State Governor’s swift public statement distancing himself from the attack, Akiyode-Afolabi said condemnation without accountability was insufficient and could embolden perpetrators.
She disclosed that Womanifesto was in direct contact with some of the affected women, who recounted experiences of harassment, humiliation and physical assault, noting that such treatment was unacceptable in a democratic society and must be addressed decisively.
The group issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Kwara State Government, demanding a public explanation detailing how and why peaceful women protesters were attacked at the Government House.
The association further demanded clear government commitments to prevent a recurrence, protect women, protesters and vulnerable communities across the state, and urgent action to address insecurity in Oke-Ode, including transparent updates on efforts to rescue abducted persons and support affected families.
Akiyode-Afolabi warned that failure to hold those responsible accountable would allow a pattern of violence to persist, leaving women, who are already disproportionately affected by insecurity, to suffer in silence.
“Womanifesto stands firmly with the women of Oke-Ode and all Nigerian women who courageously demand safety, dignity, and justice. We will continue to monitor this case closely and engage relevant authorities. Failure to act within the stipulated 14 days will compel us to escalate our advocacy through all lawful and democratic means available.
“The brutalisation of women seeking help is unacceptable. Silence is not an option. Accountability is non-negotiable,” it added.
Igbede community in Odo-Owa area of Oke-Ero Local Government of Kwara State has accused a former Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Samuel Afolayan of encroaching on some portions of land.
The community said the retired Naval chief tampered with their terms of agreement and encroached on some portions of its land and urged the state government, law enforcement agents and Olosi of Osi to come to their assistance.
They threatened to drag the former Naval Chief to court should he continue with his attempt to take over their land.
But, the former Naval chief, who is the Asiwaju of Osi, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, dismissed claims that he was using military personnel to intimidate residents, stressing that he had no intention of encroaching on the land belonging to his neighbours.
Also, the President, Osi Welfare Association, Dr. Olu Takeet, restated that Osi does not share a boundary with Igbede, insisting that its only recognised boundary is with Ilofa community.
According to the duo, the priority of the Osi community is peace, safety, and the protection of livelihoods, especially at a time insecurity remains a major concern in the state.
Earlier, while addressing reporters in Ilorin, National Secretary, Odo-Owa Welfare Association, Michael O. Sunday, accused Afolayan of using military personnel to scare them.
Sunday said: “We, the Oke-Esi compound, Kajola in Odo-Owa, who are the legitimate owners of the land in contention, gave the fenced portion of the land to SAIGBO Industries Limited, owned by the late Samuel Ibikule Agboola. The portion was unambiguously delineated as it was duly marked, fenced, gated and built-in line with the agreed terms.
“Over time the portion was sold and transferred to the former Chief of Naval Staff. Over time he tampered with the agreement and started a expansionist trip into areas beyond the agreed portion. His attention was drawn to the trespass.
At a time the matter got the attention of the Kwara State House of Assembly. Oral and documented facts were taken from us and other stakeholders to buttress our position. The final report never saw the light of the day.
“Interestingly, the Rear Admiral recently with a renewed onslaught wildly on mass clearing of land beyond what was duly transferred to him legally.
“The military chief has been using the soldiers to scare us the owners of the land from this place to perfect his grip on the land.
“The fact remains that the portion of land in contention belongs to Oke-Ero Local Government as defined by the gazette of the Kwara State government. As a matter of fact, Odo-Owa and Osi in Oke-Ero and Ekiti councils of the state have no land dispute, except the recent orchestration by the former Naval chief.
“As it stands, the former Chief of Naval Staff’s bulldozer is clearing and destroying farmlands and valued economic trees and crops, even in areas belonging to Igbede community in Odo-Owa, employing the soldiers to perfect this dispossession.
“Apart from the incalculable loss of means of livelihoods suffered by us the legal owners of the land, we live in fear of the threat from the land-grabbing exploits of the retired military chief.”
Kwara State Government in collaboration with World Bank-supported project has rejuvenated 83 primary healthcare facilities, Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq has said.
He added that the state had reached over 1.6million children with Vitamin A compared to over 100,000 children reached in 2020.
Governor AbdulRazaq said that the state has one of the lowest under-five mortality rates in the country.
AbdulRazaq spoke in Ilorin at the commissioning of 83 revitalised primary healthcare centres across the state.
He hinted that “this was made possible with funding from the state government, World Bank-supported IMPACT Project, the Basic HealthCare Provision Funds and Leadership Challenge Funds won by the State.
“It is always heartwarming to say that Kwara State remains the safest place to be born in the country.
We also continue to see improved Nigeria with the lowest under-5 mortality rate.
“This boldly speaks to our commitment to giving quality healthcare to every citizen of the state regardless of where they live.
“We inherited a primary health care system that was in a state of extreme disrepair with far-reaching consequences on the people.
“We however refused to accept this as our reality. Instead, we worked in partnership with different stakeholders like the World Bank, especially the IMPACT project, UNICEF and others through enhanced commitment and prompt payment of counterpart funding.
“Each of these facilities has been renovated to new standards. Pregnant women will no longer need to travel long distances to access antenatal care and safe delivery services.
Children will receive timely immunisations and treatment for common childhood illnesses.
Our youth will have access to reproductive health information and services. Our elderly will receive care for chronic conditions closer to home.
“The improvement in health outcomes that is witnessed in the state spurs us to do more through additional recruitment into the health workforce and improved welfare.”
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency Prof Nusirat Elelu said that improvement in the state had led to inctease number of patients visiting the PHCs.
Said she: “As at today, we have recorded over 722,000 outpatients visiting our PHCs compared to 8,020 in 2020, over 500,000 pregnant women reached with haematinics compared to 30,000 deliveries recorded 2020.
“These are not just statistics; they represent people whose future have been secured due to the lifesaving services we provide
“This achievement belongs to all of us- our state government, development partners and most importantly, the communities who have embraced these facilities as their own.
“We recognize that revitalization is the beginning, not the end. We are committed to
sustaining these gains, expanding coverage, and ensuring that every resource invested
translates into lives saved.
“This achievement represents far more than renovated buildings and new equipment.
“It represents our renewed commitment to bringing quality healthcare to the doorsteps of our people.
We are reaching mothers who previously delivered at home without skilled
birth attendants.
“We are reaching communities that were once beyond the last mile.
Every mother, child and family who now have access through these revitalized facilities
is a testament to what we can accomplish through strategic partnership and stared vision.”
2027 general elections are less than two years across Nigeria. But the fever of the election has started catching up with many in Kwara state.
In deed, the agitation for the governorship seat to shift to Kwara North senatorial district has become strident and momentous.
Youths from Kwara North have been at forefront of the clamour for power to change hand to the region.
Expectedly, some groups have opposed the zoning idea, arguing that the best candidate should be allowed to emerged seamlessly from any of the senatorial districts of the state.
Right from the onset, current Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq had promised to hand over reins of power to somebody from the north, but the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had ruled out fielding a candidate from the district.
PDP fielded Alhaji Abdullahi Yama, Kwara northerner as its governorship candidate in the 2023 election. His kinsmen did not support him. They claimed it was not yet their turn.
Predictably, the three notable politicians from Kwara North that have indicated interest in the governorship race are from APC.
They are Senator Umar Sodiq, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu and Alhaji Tajudeen Audu.
Sodiq is currently representing Kwara North in the Senate, Hon Salihu is the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and Audu is the Makama of Lafiagii.
Though, the governorship hopefuls had reached an agreement to support anyone that lands the APC ticket.
Curiously too, no politician from either Kwara Central or Kwara South has indicated interest in the race.
Leading the clamour for power to get to Kwara North in 2027 is a group known as Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum (KNYCF).
The forum had accordingly engaged its youths counterparts in the central and southerner districts for support and understanding in the interest of justice, fairness and equity.
KNYCF’s Chairman, Dr Abduldayan Haruna hinted that the Kwara North governorship aspiration is not a sectional cause but a collective quest for justice.
“Our demand is simple and sincere – Kwara North has stood with others over the years; now, it is our turn to be supported. This is about fairness, inclusion, and the unity of Kwara State,” he said.
Corroborating the chair, the forum’s Spokesperson Nura Muhammed restated the historical and political bonds between Kwara North and the Ibolo land, emphasizing the importance of equity in sustaining harmony in the state.
He observed that while Kwara central had occupied the governorship seat for over 20 years and Kwara South for eight years, Kwara North has yet to produce a governor in the state’s 26-year democratic history.”
Traditional rulers of Kwara North extraction have lent their royal voices to the clamour.
They therefore, urged all political parties in the state to zone their governorship seat to the senatorial district during the 2027 elections.
The insisted that it is the turn of the region to produce the next governor of the state.
The monarchs under the aegis of Kwara state Council of Chiefs and Obas, said this at a meeting to deliberate on the prevailing security situation in Kwara North region.
The meeting took place at the palace of Etsu Patigi, who is the Vice Chair of the council, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II.
The engagement, with the theme “Kwara North Unity, Security and Way Forward – Project 2027.”
In a communique at the end of the engagement signed by Etsu Bologi, Emir of Lafiagi, Muhammed Umar Kudu Kawu, Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar (Kiyaru iV), Etsu Tsaragi: HRH Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, Emir of Okuta Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu Serobeteye, Emir of Ilesha Baruba Alhaji (Prof) Halidu Abubakar and Oba of Jebba Oba Abdulkadir Adebara said “that in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice, it is the rightful turn of Kwara North to produce the next governor of Kwara State in 2027.”
They identified unity as the strongest tool for achieving this aspiration, urging stakeholders to set aside past differences and work together in the collective interest of the region.
The communique also “resolved that alliances must be built with Kwara Central and Kwara South, and that advocacy be extended beyond the state—particularly to Abuja, national party leadership, and other critical political actors.
“The priority at this stage is ensuring that political parties zone their governorship ticket to Kwara North, and stakeholders committed to supporting the processes and ultimately the Kwara North candidate who emerges.”
The monarchs took their message of equity and fairness to their Kwara South counterparts through a town hall meeting.
Etsu Patigi Alhaji Umar Bologi ll said the engagement was aimed at strengthening unity and developing a coordinated security framework for communities across both senatorial districts.
The first class monarch eminded the gathering that since the return of democracy in 1999, Kwara South and Kwara Central have both produced governors while Kwara North has not.
He appealed for Kwara South’s support in ensuring equity and political inclusion in 2027.
Kwara South monarchs described the request as fair and deserving.
In his remarks, Chairman of Kwara South Traditional Rulers, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, said the meeting was “historic and a welcome development.”
On his part, Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi said that Kwara North was not asking for too much by seeking their support.
The Alofa of Illofa, Oba Engr. Samuel Niyi Dada; the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti; and the Elese of Igbaja, Oba (Dr.) Ahmed Babalola Awuni, also praised the engagement, saying it was one of the most impactful in recent times.
Group known as Kwara Integrity Movement (KIM) countered and said the 2027 governorship election in Kwara state is open to any of the three senatorial districts.
KIM added that such agitation would amount to “reducing Kwara to zoning politics.”
KIM Chairman, Hon Oniwara Babatunde said that “Kwara requires the best minds, the boldest ideas and the strongest leadership not sectional leader.”
Hon Babatunde encouraged every qualified, credible and visionary Kwaran from any of the three senatorial districts to step forward and contest the 2027 governorship election.
Said he: “Our position is clear, we want a free, open and competitive 2027 governorship election.
“KIM believes elections must be open to all; merit must defeat mediocrity; leadership must be chosen by competence not geography and Kwara needs a governor for all.
“As a people, we must reject any arrangement that undermines democracy, reduces leadership to ethnicity or cages political opportunity within artificial boundaries.”
Continuing, KIM chair added that “the agitation for zoning raises fundamental questions that Kwarans must ask boldly: For whom is the zoning agitation being championed? Is it genuinely for the people of Kwara North or for personal ambition of a few? Does the agitation suggest that past and present governments have been unjust to Kwara North? Is this zoning being presented as a compensation or entitlement?
“At this point, it is important to raise a serious danger that is quietly creeping into our political culture– the coercion of our traditional rulers into partisan politics.
“Our highly revered obas and emirs travelling across the state for political lobby and advocacy should be totally avoided. Today, it is the traditional rulers, tomorrow the religious leaders and civil servants may follow suit. These are highly revered institutions that must be insulated from partisan politics.
Another group of APC Members in the state under the aegis of the Kwara Political Leaders of Thought (KPLOT) called on the national leadership of the APC not to impose governorship candidate on the state come 2027 general elections.
The group led by Mohammed Mariam Alhassan, also said that ideal leader for the in 2027 can come from any district of the state, adding that 2027 governorship should not be based on zoning.
The APC group advised the party’s national leadership and the presidency to be cautious on issue of who becomes Kwara state governorship candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Alhassan said that Kwara state is practically at war, especially due to insecurity challenges in some parts of the state, adding that, “wars are not won by convenience or sentiment, but by deliberate strategic, and competent leadership.
“Kwara is confronted today with realities that leave us with no
room for emotional politics, convenient assumptions, or
premature conclusions.
“The present reality demands sobriety,
honesty, and courage. It requires that our political decisions be
driven by capacity, competence, and character -not by sentiment or turn-by-turn calculations
“From Edu to Patigi, Ifelodun to Isin, and from Ekiti to Kaiama, Kwara state has, regrettably, become an epicentre of banditry and terrorism, a situation unprecedented in the history of our state.
“In the face of this crisis, it is no longer åcceptable to approach
leadership selection the way we might have done in more stable
times. If Kwara once had the luxury of making sentimental
political choices, that luxury no longer exists.
“The leadership question before us is no longer about where a
candidate comes from, but who that candidate is. Who has the competence to confront insecurity? Who has the capacity to rebuild confidence in governance? Who has the courage, experience, and vision to naigate Kwara out of its present challenges and secure its future?
“These are the questions
occupying the minds of ordinary Kwarans across the state not the narrow, primordial sentiments being promoted by a section of the political class”, he said.
The group also said that the ideal leader for Kwara in 2027 can come from anywhere; North, South, or Central, adding that, “If the best and most capable candidate emerges from the North, we must not hesitate to support such a person. If that candidate comes from the South, the same principle must apply. If competence and capacity reside in the Central, we must equally embrace it”.
“At this critical moment, limiting our choices based on zoning or primordial sentiment is dangerous, and the consequences will be borne by all Kwarans”, he said.
The people also called on traditional rulers in the state to steer clear of partisan politics and political agitations and permutations, saying that, “the throne derives its strength from neutrality, moral authority, and the trust of all subjects, irrespective of their political leanings.
“Once a royal institution is dragged into partisan battles, it risks losing its unifying essence and the sacred distance that commands reverence. Monarchs must remember that their domains are
home to people of diverse and often conflicting political
interests; aligning with one tendency, no matter the temptation
or promised reward, inevitably alienates others and erodes the
An Ilorin, Kwara State-based Christian organisation, Message of Salvation Women Ministry (MSWM), has brought smiles to the faces of no fewer than 1,000 widows and less privileged women in celebration of the 2025 Christmas and New Year festivities.
The ministry, also known as ‘Obinrin Oniwarere’, distributed cash gifts, clothing materials, and food items to the beneficiaries across Kwara State.
Over the past 20 years, the women’s ministry has spent approximately N63 million on Christmas gifts for the widows and other less privileged women in the state.
The founder of the ministry, Rev. Florence Ajagbe, revealed that this year’s event cost about N6 million.
Drawing inspiration from the Bible story of Naomi and Ruth, she encouraged the beneficiaries to endure the challenges they face, remain strong, and take care of the children left behind by their deceased husbands.
“Don’t be in a hurry to remarry, but if you cannot endure, go ahead and remarry. However, I advise you to focus your attention on your children,” she said.
Regarding the challenges facing the ministry, Rev. Ajagbe expressed concerns about the lack of proper office accommodation.
“We receive support from churches and family members. One of the current challenges is office accommodation. We are appealing to the Federal and Kwara State governments to assist us so that this ministry can grow. We need government support,” she said.
The ministry’s Secretary, Mary Oladele, praised the organisation and orderliness of this year’s event.
“We are grateful for all those who contributed to the success of this year’s programme.”
On the accommodation issue, Mrs. Oladele echoed the founder’s concerns: “We have not had a permanent place to meet for many years. We are seeking support from anyone whom God has touched to help us. We would love to have a piece of land or a building we can call our own, so we will not be tossed around anymore.”
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has acknowledged the intermittent power supply and prolonged outages currently being experienced by customers across its franchise areas covering Oyo, Kwara, Ogun, Ibadan and Osun states.
The company expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to residents and businesses affected by the situation.
In a statement issued by its management, IBEDC explained that the challenge was caused by a reduction in load allocation from the national grid, which has significantly limited the amount of electricity available for distribution within its franchise area.
“IBEDC is actively engaging the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO) to improve supply stability.
“In the interim, available load is being strategically allocated and equitably distributed across feeders and service bands to ensure fairness and operational efficiency.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers and remain committed to keeping you informed as the situation evolves.”
