Shettima Condemns Kwara Killings, Says Attacks Violate Right to Worship

Shettima Condemns Kwara Killings, Says Attacks Violate Right to Worship

Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly condemned the recent violent attacks on worshippers in Kwara State, describing the incidents as a direct violation of Nigerians’ constitutional right to peaceful worship and a dangerous assault on national unity.

Shettima spoke while reacting to reports of deadly attacks on several communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly stormed villages and targeted residents, including worshippers, during religious activities. The attacks left many people dead, others injured, and forced several families to flee their homes in fear.

According to the Vice President, the deliberate targeting of civilians during worship represents one of the gravest forms of insecurity, as it undermines freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

“The right to worship freely and without fear is guaranteed by our Constitution,” Shettima said. “Any attempt to intimidate, attack, or kill Nigerians in the course of their religious duties is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

He stressed that the Federal Government views the attacks as a serious national security concern, assuring residents of Kwara State that those responsible would be tracked down and prosecuted.

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Shettima disclosed that security agencies have been placed on high alert, with directives issued for the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to affected areas to restore peace and prevent further violence.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting places of worship, noting that mosques, churches, and other religious centres must remain sanctuaries of peace rather than targets of terror.

The Vice President urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against acts of reprisal that could escalate tensions and lead to further loss of life. He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to work closely with security agencies by sharing credible intelligence that could aid ongoing operations.

Shettima expressed sympathy to families of victims and displaced persons, assuring them that the Federal Government would continue to work with the Kwara State Government to provide support and restore normalcy in the affected communities.

The attacks have once again brought national attention to rising insecurity in the North-Central region, where communities have faced repeated threats from armed groups, leading to deaths, displacement, and disruption of social and economic activities.

Residents of the affected areas have called for a sustained security presence, warning that temporary deployments may not be enough to deter future attacks. Civil society organisations have also renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering and community-based security strategies to prevent further assaults on civilians and worship centres.

As investigations continue, the Federal Government reiterated that ensuring the safety of lives and freedom of worship remains a core responsibility, pledging that perpetrators of the Kwara attacks will face the full weight of the law.

Shettima Condemns Kwara Killings, Says Attacks Violate Right to Worship