President Tinubu orders troop deployment after attack in Nigeria's Kwara State

Nigeria's president Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State on Wednesday, after a deadly attack on Woro village.

At least 162 people were killed in the assault, a Red Cross official said. The federal government, however, put the death toll at 75, highlighting the difficulty of verifying casualties in remote areas where bodies are still being recovered.

In response, Tinubu announced the creation of a new military command to lead Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at countering what the government described as terrorist elements operating in the area and protecting vulnerable communities.

Tinubu called for close coordination between federal and state authorities to provide relief to survivors and ensure those responsible were held accountable. He also offered condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Kwara State.

The attack occurred on Tuesday evening when gunmen stormed Woro village, setting homes, shops and the palace of the traditional ruler on fire, according to local officials. Many residents fled into surrounding bushland, while others were killed during the raid.

A local lawmaker from the area, Saidu Baba Ahmed, said bodies were still being recovered on Wednesday as security forces searched for survivors. 

No group claimed responsibility, but the state government blamed "terrorist cells" and Tinubu blamed the attack on Boko Haram militants.

The violence comes amid an escalation of attacks across parts of central and northern Nigeria, where armed gangs, militant groups and intercommunal tensions have killed thousands over the past decade. 

Edited by CGTN Africa reporter Marion Gachuhi