16 Feb CSW urges action to tackle physical security gap as over 200 killed in attacks across Nigeria

A UK-based human rights organisation has called on Nigerian authorities to act urgently following a wave of terrorist attacks that left more than 200 people dead across Kwara, Katsina and Benue states.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said it was deeply concerned by what it described as ‘slow and inadequate reactions from the military as violence was underway’, and warned of a ‘remorseless expansion of terrorist activity into the south-west of the country’.

In a 6 February report shared with ACI Africa, CSW’s Founder President, Mervyn Thomas, urged authorities to respond decisively.

“We urge the Nigerian authorities to move swiftly to address the gaps in security that are being exploited by terrorist factions,” Thomas said. “CSW extends deep condolences to the hundreds grieving these latest attacks in Kwara, Katsina and Benue states.”

According to CSW, at least 170 people were killed in Kwara State when terrorists attacked the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area from around 5pm on 3 February until 3pm the following day.

The Woro district head told Nigerian media that the attackers were members of a faction known as Mahmuda. He said an initial distress call was made shortly after the attack began, but assistance did not arrive until around 10 hours later.

He added that an aircraft circled the area approximately two hours into the assault but did not appear to engage the attackers, who reportedly left with captives before troops arrived and planted bombs along the route to hinder intervention.

In a message posted on X, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, condemned the attack and announced the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama LGA to spearhead ‘Operation Savannah Shield’ to protect vulnerable communities.

On the same day, at least 24 people were killed and several others injured in an armed attack on Doma A and Doma B communities in Tafoki Ward, Faskari LGA, Katsina State.

CSW reported that the violence followed the collapse of a fragile truce between local authorities and armed groups operating in the area, reportedly triggered by the killing of a prominent repentant bandit.

Residents said that despite repeated appeals for help, attackers operated unchecked from around noon until approximately 3pm, shooting villagers and setting fire to homes, shops and vehicles.