Woro massacre: Senate orders forest sweep, demands rescue of abducted women, children

The Senate on Tuesday raised the alarm over escalating killings and abductions in Woro communities in Kaima Local Government Area of Kwara State, urging the Federal Government to intensify rescue operations for abducted women and children and launch a comprehensive security offensive against criminal elements in the area.

Adopting a series of resolutions, the upper chamber called on federal and state authorities to redesign the security architecture around forest reserves, clear them of bandits and kidnappers, and establish strategic security formations where necessary to forestall further attacks.

Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to provide humanitarian relief and economic support to displaced farmers and residents of Woro and neighbouring communities affected by the violence.

The resolutions followed a point of order raised by Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), who drew the Senate’s attention to renewed attacks on the agrarian communities, during which more than 100 residents were reportedly killed.

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Umar said the Senate’s intervention was aimed at restoring livelihoods, rebuilding economic resilience, and ensuring lasting stability in the affected communities.

He warned that remote settlements located near forest boundaries remained highly vulnerable, stressing the need for a strengthened security presence, improved intelligence gathering, and effective early warning systems.

While commending the humanitarian response of President Bola Tinubu, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency (KW-EMA), and the Red Cross, the lawmaker acknowledged the deployment of personnel from the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police to the affected areas.

He, however, stressed that sustained security presence and coordinated operations were required to end the recurring cycle of violence.

Contributing to the debate, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) described the attacks as tragic and reflective of a broader national security challenge.

Moro noted that insecurity, banditry, and abductions had become recurring threats across the country and called for urgent legislative and executive action to stem the tide.

He urged the Senate’s ad hoc committee on security to resume its work and advocated the convening of a national security summit to strengthen oversight, harmonise strategies, and better inform government policy.

Also speaking, Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that no fewer than 250 Nigerians had been killed from January to date.

He warned that without decisive and immediate action, the death toll would continue to rise.

Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) maintained that Nigeria had the capacity to defeat bandits and kidnappers, stressing that what was needed was political will, improved coordination, and adequate resourcing of security agencies.

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North) called for stronger collaboration between the legislature and the executive, urging the recruitment of more security personnel and improved welfare to enhance the protection of lives and property nationwide.

Following a voice vote presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), the Senate unanimously adopted all the prayers of the motion, mandating urgent action to secure Woro communities, rescue abducted victims, and prevent further bloodshed.

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