160+ Killed: UN, US Condemn Kwara Massacre as Türkiye Pledges Anti-Terror Support -

International actors have sharply condemned a brutal terrorist assault in Nigeria’s Kwara State that killed scores of civilians, as Türkiye pledged support to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and the United Nations and United States expressed solidarity with victims and authorities.

The attack occurred in the rural communities of Woro and nearby Nuku in Kaiama Local Government Area on 3–4 February, leaving at least 162 people dead according to Red Cross and many homes and shops destroyed, according to local lawmakers and humanitarian agencies.

“Reports said that the death toll now stands at 162, as the search for more bodies continues,” said Babaomo Ayodeji, Kwara state secretary of the Red Cross, updating an earlier toll of 67.

Global Condemnation

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “terrorist act” and extending condolences to the families of the victims and the government of Nigeria. He reaffirmed the UN’s “solidarity… in their efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism,” and stressed the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

In an X post, Guterres said, “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 3 February in Kwara State, Nigeria.

“My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims & to the people & government of Nigeria. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”

The United States also condemned the assault, with senior officials denouncing the violence and reiterating support for Nigeria in combating armed extremist groups that continue to threaten civilian populations. Washington’s response comes amid ongoing security cooperation between U.S. and Nigerian forces.

Türkiye’s Statement and Pledge of Support

The government of Türkiye expressed deep sadness over the loss of life in Kwara State and issued a formal condemnation through its Foreign Ministry. Ankara extended condolences to the victims’ families and underscored its commitment to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.

In its statement, Türkiye reaffirmed solidarity with Nigeria and said it would continue cooperation to help address the complex security challenges confronting the West African nation.

Scale of the Attack and Aftermath

The assault in Kwara is one of the deadliest in recent memory outside Nigeria’s northeast insurgency zones. Witnesses and rights groups reported that gunmen targeted residents after villagers resisted demands to embrace extremist ideology, executing many and razing structures.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Orders Deployment Of Troops To Kwara After Deadly Attack

In response, the Nigerian government has deployed additional military forces to the area and launched new operations aimed at suppressing violent groups operating in the region. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack as “cowardly” and pledged enhanced security measures.

Meanwhile the Kwara Police Command has confirmed that at least 75 people were killed in the recent attack on communities as against the report by the Red Cross which pegged casualties at 160.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed this on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme.

“The present toll of casualties that we have from that dastardly act that happened on the 3rd of February at about 17:30 hours is 75. Investigations are still ongoing, and we will continue to update members of the public as necessary,” she said.

According to her, the Kwara State Police Command was promptly informed after the incident, following which the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, ordered an immediate deployment to the affected communities.

She explained that the location of the attack posed a challenge, noting that the affected area is about two hours from the divisional headquarters in Kaiama.

Also, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational, and intelligence assets to Kaiama Local Government Area following the attack.

The Nigerian Police Force condemned the incident, describing it as tragic, and confirmed that a manhunt is underway to arrest those responsible.

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, described the incident as a “pure massacre” and confirmed that at least 75 victims had already been buried.