Kwara Killings: Senate urges FG to intensify rescue, security efforts in Woro communities

2026-02-10 - 18:19

By Henry Umoru ABUJA — The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to safely rescue all abducted women and children from Woro communities in Kwara State and to strengthen security measures in the region. In a resolution yesterday, the Upper Chamber called on federal and state authorities to redesign and clear forest reserves of criminal elements and consider establishing strategic security formations where necessary. Senators also urged the government to provide comprehensive support, resources, and structured programmes for displaced farmers and residents of Woro and neighboring communities. The resolutions followed a Point of Order raised by Senator Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North) on the killings of over 100 residents in Woro communities, Kaima Local Government Area, highlighting renewed concerns over insecurity in the area. Senator Umar said the Senate’s intervention aims to restore livelihoods, rebuild economic resilience, and ensure sustainable stability for affected residents. He stressed that communities in remote and forest-bordering areas are particularly vulnerable and need enhanced protection and early warning mechanisms. He acknowledged the prompt humanitarian response of President Bola Tinubu, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency (KW-EMA), and the Red Cross, as well as the deployment of personnel from the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Police Force to affected communities. In his contribution, Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), described the attacks in Woro as tragic and noted that insecurity, banditry, and abductions have become recurring challenges. He urged the Senate’s ad hoc committee on security to revive its activities and pursue a national security summit to strengthen legislative oversight and inform government policy on national security. Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) noted that 250 Nigerians have been killed from January to date and stressed that immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of lives. Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) added that the country has the capacity to tackle bandits and kidnappers. Former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North), called for collaboration between the Senate and the Executive to recruit more security personnel and ensure the protection of citizens. Following a voice vote presided over by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), all the prayers of the motion were unanimously adopted.