The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has condemned the killings in parts of Kwara, Katsina, and Benue states, describing them as barbaric, senseless, and a direct assault on the collective conscience of the nation, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to defeat terrorism and ordered immediate military action in affected areas.

The forum, chaired by the Governor of Gombe State, Mr. Inuwa Yahaya, and comprising the 19 governors of the northern region, called for decisive security measures to end the relentless targeting of defenceless citizens, including women, children, and the elderly.

While commending the governors of Kwara, Benue, and Katsina states for their resilience amid severe security challenges, Mr. Yahaya reassured Nigerians of the forum’s commitment to working with security agencies and local stakeholders to promote intelligence-led community policing and sustainable socio-economic solutions.

The forum also extended condolences to families who lost scores of loved ones and prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed.

In recent days, attacks across communities in the three states have resulted in multiple deaths, abductions, and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.

In Kwara State, gunmen attacked the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, reportedly killing more than 50 people. Many families lost loved ones, while several houses were burnt by the attackers.

Sources said the bandits had initially come to preach to residents, urging them to ignore the Nigerian Constitution. During the sermon, dissenting voices angered the attackers, who then opened fire on the villagers.

In Katsina State, bandits attacked the Doma Community in the Tafoki area of Faskari Local Government Area at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, killing several people and destroying houses, shops, and vehicles, leaving many residents homeless.

The armed attackers, reportedly wielding weapons including AK-47 rifles, struck just five months after a peace agreement. According to the Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area, Mr. Sirajo Daudawa, the incident is suspected to have been a reprisal attack.

In Benue State, a police officer and four others were killed in an assault by non-state actors in Abande Community, Kwande Local Government Area.

The spokesman for the Benue State Police Command, Mr. Udeme Edet, said the attack took place on Tuesday.

“An Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, who was on special duty at Abande Community, was fatally injured during the attack,” he said.

“The Divisional Police Officer, Jato-Aka, received a distress call that suspected armed herder bandits, in large numbers, had attacked police personnel stationed at Abande Community as well as members of the community.

“Regrettably, four members of the community also lost their lives as a result of the attack by the bandits,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that those behind the Kwara killings would be apprehended and prosecuted.

The President gave the assurance on Thursday in a statement he personally signed and issued to State House correspondents.

Describing the attack on Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area as particularly disturbing, Mr. Tinubu vowed that the perpetrators would be “pursued and brought to justice, just like other terrorists before them. They will not go scot-free”.

He said:

“Today, I met with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to be debriefed on the incident in Kaiama LGA.

“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. Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation.

“Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Woro. This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities.

“It is particularly disturbing that the victims were killed because they rejected an attempt at forced indoctrination. As I said, it is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue. Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith.

“I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice, just like other terrorists before them. They will not go scot-free.

“I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State. The Federal Government stands with you. We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror.”