Kwara Attack: Nigeria Will Not Bow To Religious Extremism — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria will not surrender to extremism and terrorism, declaring that the country will defend its people and values against those who seek to impose violence under the guise of faith.

Tinubu stated this in a message posted on his verified X handle on Thursday, following a deadly attack on Worro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday.

According to the President, he met earlier with the executive governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and was fully debriefed on the incident.

“I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror,” Tinubu wrote.

The President disclosed that he had directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama LGA after the attack on innocent villagers. He added that a new military command has been approved to spearhead Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at checking terrorist activities and protecting vulnerable communities in the area.

Tinubu described the attack as particularly disturbing, noting that the victims were reportedly killed for rejecting an attempt at forced indoctrination.

“It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue,” he said, stressing that “Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith.”

The President further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to ensure immediate support and relief for the affected community, while assuring that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice.

“They will not go scot-free,” he warned.

Tinubu also prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and extended condolences to their families, as well as the people and government of Kwara State, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support.

“The Federal Government stands with you. We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror,” the President said.