Communities in Plateau State have held a memorial ceremony to honour over 30 victims killed in the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The event, organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (Ganawuri district) and the Aten Development Association in Riyom LGA, brought together families, traditional leaders and government officials to remember the victims and call for justice.
The Facts
- Over 30 victims were killed in the February 3, 2026 attack in Woro community, Kaiama LGA, Kwara State.
- Several victims were sons and daughters of the Aten ethnic group from Plateau State.
- The memorial ceremony took place at EKAN Primary School in Ganawuri, Riyom LGA, Plateau State.
- The event was organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (Ganawuri district) and the Aten Development Association.
- Plateau Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo sent a condolence message.
- Riyom LGA Chairman, Hon. Bature Sati Shuwa, led a delegation to the ceremony.
- Over 1,200 displaced Aten indigenes were earlier repatriated from Woro to Ganawuri.
What Happened
Residents of Ganawuri district in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State gathered on Friday to honour the memory of more than 30 people killed in what has been referred to as the Woro Massacre in Kwara State.
The victims lost their lives during the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara.
Several of those killed were members of the Aten ethnic group, with family ties to Ganawuri and surrounding communities in Plateau.
The memorial ceremony, held at EKAN Primary School in Ganawuri, was organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ganawuri district, alongside the Aten Development Association.
Where and Who Is Affected in Kwara
The attack occurred in Woro community, located in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State. Kaiama is part of Kwara North, an area that has faced security challenges in recent months.
For Kwara, the incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of rural communities, particularly those located near forested corridors and inter-state boundaries.
The victims included individuals with strong family links to Plateau State, highlighting the cross-state dimension of the tragedy. The movement of people between Plateau and Kwara for farming and settlement has long connected the communities.
Voices from the Memorial
At the ceremony, the former President of the Aten Youth Movement described the killings as a painful reminder of ongoing violence.
“We received the news of the brutal attack on our people in Woro, Kwara State, with sadness,” he said.
He added that the massacre underscores the need for unity within the community and called for justice for the victims.
Plateau State Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, in her condolence message, said the loss was deeply saddening and extended sympathies to the Aten people of Ganawuri.
She described the killings as a grievous loss not only to the Aten community but to Riyom LGA and Plateau State as a whole. She assured the community of the state government’s moral support during the period of mourning.
Official and Local Government Response
The Executive Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council, Hon. Bature Sati Shuwa, led a delegation to the memorial event.
He described the killings as gruesome and heartbreaking, stressing that the loss was shared across the entire local government and state.
Shuwa extended sympathies to the Aten traditional council, the community and the bereaved families. He urged unity and resilience, saying the community must not allow the tragedy to break its collective spirit.
The chairman also highlighted his administration’s earlier intervention in repatriating over 1,200 displaced Aten indigenes from Woro back to Ganawuri. He reaffirmed commitment to their safety, welfare and peaceful coexistence.
He appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the killings and ensure justice is served.
Background
The February 3 attack in Woro came amid rising security concerns in parts of Kwara North. In response to escalating incidents in the region, security authorities have launched operations aimed at tackling armed groups operating across forest belts and border communities.
While investigations into the Woro attack remain ongoing, the memorial in Plateau reflects the broader emotional and social impact of insecurity across state lines.
Communities in both Kwara and Plateau continue to grapple with the consequences of displacement, disrupted livelihoods and loss of lives.
Community Reaction
Reactions are still emerging in Kwara following the memorial event in Plateau.
What Happens Next
Families of the victims are seeking justice and sustained security presence in affected areas. Local leaders have called for stronger coordination among security agencies to prevent further attacks.
For displaced persons already repatriated to Plateau, continued welfare support and safe reintegration remain key concerns.
In Kwara, attention remains on ongoing security measures in Kaiama and surrounding communities.
Conclusion
The memorial held in Ganawuri underscores the far-reaching impact of the February 3 attack in Woro, Kaiama LGA.
Beyond the immediate loss of lives, the tragedy has affected families and communities across state boundaries.
As calls for justice grow louder, both Plateau and Kwara communities are looking to security authorities for sustained action to prevent further violence and restore confidence in rural areas.
