‘Worse Than Countries at War’ — Peter Obi Reacts to Kwara Massacre

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A wave of outrage has trailed the deadly attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where gunmen killed no fewer than 150 to 170 people in one of Nigeria’s worst massacres in 2026. The assailants, believed to be armed bandits linked to criminal and terrorist networks, razed several homes, abducted residents, and forced hundreds to flee into surrounding forests.

Security sources described the attack as “one of the most brutal” in recent years, adding that emergency responders were still recovering bodies days after the incident.

Following the tragedy, military troops and other security operatives were deployed to the area as part of efforts to prevent further attacks and track down the perpetrators. The federal government has also launched a new counter-terrorism campaign known as Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at curbing rising violence across the North-Central region.

Peter Obi: ‘Nigeria is now worse than countries at war’

Reacting to the killings, former presidential candidate Peter Obi issued a strongly worded statement condemning the massacre and expressing deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

Obi described the tragedy as a “national failure,” stressing that the loss of innocent lives on such a scale reflects the gravity of the country’s security breakdown.

“The killing of innocent citizens is a grave violation of the nation’s trust. Nigeria’s security situation has deteriorated so badly that it is now worse than what we see in some war-torn countries,”
he said.

Obi noted that the scale and frequency of violent attacks across the country show how deeply insecurity has penetrated communities, adding that the Kwara massacre mirrors conditions typical of nations engulfed in armed conflict.

He called on the federal government, security agencies, and state authorities to act decisively to restore peace, bring the perpetrators to justice, and reinforce the protection of lives.

“Government must take urgent steps to restore law and order. The lives of Nigerians must be treated as a priority,”
he added.

Public Outcry and Calls for Stronger Action

The horrific attack has triggered nationwide criticism of the government’s handling of security matters, with many citizens and civil society groups demanding more strategic responses to terrorism and banditry.

Commentators argue that while security forces have been deployed, the federal and state governments must strengthen collaboration, invest in intelligence gathering, and address the root causes of the escalating violence.

Analysts also warn that continued inaction could embolden criminal groups and deepen regional instability.

As investigations continue, residents of the affected communities remain displaced, grieving, and fearful of further attacks — a grim reminder of the country’s growing security challenges.