United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the horrific killings of at least 162 people in Kwara State, Nigeria.
Describing the event as a “heinous terrorist attack,” the UN chief called on the Nigerian government to ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.
This response comes as Nigeria reels from the killings of 162 people in Kwara State, one of the deadliest coordinated assaults in recent years.
The attacks, which occurred on Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026, targeted the rural communities of Woro and Nuku in the Kaiama region.
According to local officials and the Red Cross, gunmen, suspected to be affiliated jihadist factions, invaded the thevillages around 6:00 PM, setting fire to the king’s palace, markets, and private homes.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman to the Secretary-General, reaffirmed the United Nations’ solidarity with Nigeria and its support for the government’s efforts to combat terrorism.
He said: “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 3 February, in Kwara State, Nigeria.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims & to the people & Government of Nigeria. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
Also, the African Union (AU) Commission has condemned the deadly attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara, which left scores dead and property destroyed.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in a statement, said he learned with deep shock and profound sorrow of the terrorist attack carried out on the communities.
Youssouf regretted reports that “at least 162 innocent civilians tragically lost their lives” in the violent attacks, which occurred on Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday.
The AU Chairperson condemned “in the strongest possible terms this heinous and barbaric act, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights and an unacceptable assault on peace and security”.
He reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations.
The statement reads: “The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with deep shock and profound sorrow of the terrorist attack carried out on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, in the village of Woro, in Kwara State, during which at least 162 innocent civilians tragically lost their lives.
“The Chairperson of the Commission condemns in the strongest possible terms this heinous and barbaric act, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights and an unacceptable assault on peace and security. He reaffirms the African Union’s unwavering policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations.
“The Chairperson of the Commission extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of the victims, as well as to the brotherly people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He expresses the African Union’s full solidarity with the Government of #Nigeria and the authorities of Kwara State during this difficult time.
“The African Union reiterates its steadfast commitment to continue supporting the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in their efforts to consolidate peace, security, and stability throughout the country.”
