Woro Chief Commends Kwara Govt as Over 80% of Displaced Residents Return
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Village Head of Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Umar Bio Salihu, has commended the Kwara State Government for its swift intervention following the February 3, 2026 terrorist attack on the community, revealing that more than 80 per cent of displaced residents have now returned home due to improved security and rehabilitation efforts.
Salihu, however, said he has yet to relocate permanently to the community as his palace, which was destroyed during the attack, is still awaiting reconstruction.
Speaking with INCNews247 in Kaiama, the local government headquarters, the traditional ruler attributed the gradual return of residents to enhanced security measures and support provided by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“Immediately after the attack, people fled the community completely. They ran for their lives. I was also advised to relocate because I was one of the major targets of the attackers. Fortunately, I have a house in Kaiama, and that is where I have remained since then,” he said.
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According to him, the attackers razed his palace, six residential houses and 49 shops during the assault.
“My palace, together with about six houses and 49 shops, was completely burnt down. Since I have no accommodation in the village, I only visit occasionally until the palace is rebuilt,” he added.
Salihu praised Gov. AbdulRazaq for what he described as a prompt response to the crisis, disclosing that the governor approved funds for the reconstruction of the palace.
“My palace will soon be rebuilt. The government has released funds to begin the project. I hope to commence the construction immediately after the Sallah celebrations. Within the next three or four weeks, I should be able to return permanently to the community,” he said.
The monarch also disclosed that the governor constituted a seven-member committee to coordinate relief and recovery efforts in the affected community and included him in the panel.
He said the state government swiftly provided relief materials, ordered the fumigation of the village and facilitated the provision of new boreholes after terrorists destroyed existing sources of potable water.
“Immediately after the incident, the governor came to our aid. He ordered the fumigation of the entire village and provided new boreholes because all sources of potable water had been destroyed by the terrorists,” he said.
Recounting the attack, Salihu described it as one of the most horrific experiences in the community’s history, alleging that some residents were burnt alive by the attackers.
“The terrorists locked some residents inside a room, poured petrol on them and set it ablaze, burning them to ashes. Some of the victims were so badly burnt that there were virtually no remains to bury,” he said.
He added that the resulting stench in the community necessitated government-led fumigation efforts.
The traditional ruler said the strengthening of security around the community had played a major role in restoring confidence among residents.
“After the attack, the government strengthened security in and around the village. To this day, there is a strong presence of military personnel, mobile police officers and forest guards. As security improved, we encouraged our people to return,” he said.
According to him, residents who fled to New Bussa, Wawa and other neighbouring communities have gradually returned, while commercial activities are beginning to rebound.
“Those who had fled to New Bussa, Wawa and neighbouring communities gradually began coming back. Today, Alhamdulillah, more than 80 per cent of the people have returned,” he said.
Salihu also acknowledged the contributions of UNICEF, the Red Cross and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA in supporting victims of the attack.
“If you visit Woro on a market day, especially on Sunday, you will see clear evidence that calm has returned to the village. People are returning and economic activities are gradually picking up again,” he added.
While expressing optimism that more displaced residents would return in the coming months, he noted that trauma and fear still prevent some families from going back.
“We may not achieve 100 per cent return immediately because some people are still traumatised. However, with the improved security situation and continued assistance from the state government, I believe everyone will eventually return,” he said.
Salihu further disclosed that reconstruction of some of the 49 shops destroyed during the attack would commence in phases, beginning with the first 10 shops.
“This will help affected traders resume their businesses and rebuild their livelihoods,” he said.
The village head, however, urged the Federal Government to tackle security threats around the vast forest areas bordering affected communities, warning that criminal groups continue to exploit the terrain as a hideout.
He called for the establishment of a permanent military formation, such as a barracks or Air Force base, within the area to prevent terrorists and other criminal elements from operating freely in the forest.
