DHQ condemns terrorist attacks in Kwara communities

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has condemned the recent terrorist attacks on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, and has called for calm while assuring Nigerians of the military’s commitment to safeguarding citizens.

In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Major Gen Samaila Uba, the military high command expressed profound shock over the tragic loss of innocent lives in the recent cowardly terrorist attacks on the communities.

According to it, “the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) commends the indomitable Nigerian spirit exhibited by various Nigerian communities that have been targeted by terrorists.

“This remarkable spirit was again exhibited by the resilient people of Woro and neighbouring communities who stood firm against violent coercion and refused to abandon their way of life and constitutional loyalty despite threats.

“The AFN mourns with the families of those who have lost loved ones in these and other similar brutal attacks on defenceless citizens defending community values and freedom across Nigeria.”

It recalled that terrorists had earlier entered Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State with a request to conduct a preaching and indoctrination session, which was outrightly rejected by the villagers.

“The military was informed and troops were promptly deployed to dominate the general area with robust patrols and surveillance, among other security measures, for about two weeks. The cowardly terrorists, however, returned weeks later to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others.”

The DHQ urged citizens to remain steadfast in their faith in the Nigerian Constitution and their individual beliefs, and to uphold the shared values that bind the nation together.

According to it, “the unity and resilience of the Nigerian people are our greatest defence against those who seek to destroy our peace and stability. The DHQ calls on all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional identity, to resist any form of ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups. These groups seek to impose their twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation.”

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians and called for enhanced cooperation between citizens and security agencies to protect communities, individual freedoms and the nation’s democratic ideals.

It assured that efforts would continue to be intensified by the military, in conjunction with other security agencies, to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the dastardly attack and all terrorists operating in the country.