Tinubu orders federal and state relief after Kaiama massacre
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a **multi-agency federal and state response to provide relief to communities affected by the deadly Kaiama massacre in Kwara State, underscoring the federal government’s commitment to humanitarian support after the terrorist attack that left scores of villagers dead. Tinubu’s directives came after detailed briefings on the incident and consultations with state officials about both the security situation and immediate needs of survivors.
In the wake of the assault on rural settlements in Kaiama Local Government Area, during which armed extremists killed and injured numerous residents, the President condemned the attack as “cowardly and beastly” and expressed deep condolences to the families of victims. He described the slaughter of villagers — reportedly targeted for rejecting violent extremist indoctrination — as an affront to national values and a serious threat to peace and stability.
Tinubu directed **closer collaboration between federal and state agencies to ensure the provision of immediate support and relief to affected communities. This cooperation is aimed at delivering food, medical assistance, shelter and other urgent aid to residents displaced or traumatised by the violence, as well as efforts to restore normalcy to daily life in the area.
In parallel with relief efforts, Tinubu has authorised a strengthened security response that includes the deployment of an army battalion and the launch of Operation Savannah Shield to counter extremist threats and protect vulnerable communities in Kwara and neighbouring regions. The establishment of this military command reflects the government’s dual focus on both humanitarian relief and sustained security measures in response to the massacre.
Federal authorities’ relief directive is intended to complement state-level humanitarian actions, including mobilising emergency management agencies to assess needs, distribute essential supplies and work with local leaders on longer-term support for families devastated by the attack.
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