The Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday condemned the mass killing in Woro, Kwara State, and demanded an independent investigation, immediate aid and an emergency national security summit.
“The most painful part of this sad story is the fact that several community leaders have stated that the notice of this impending attack was available for months,” Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, said in a statement.
Ememobong criticised what he called a slow government response and said “the presidential deployment of the military cannot bring back the killed people or erase the concomitant trauma imposed upon the community.”
He said the party wants “an independent panel to investigate the security failures that led to this massacre, including why early warnings were ignored.”
The PDP listed immediate steps it wants: “Immediate deployment of humanitarian assistance, medical care, and temporary shelter for displaced persons and traumatised survivors in Woro Community,” and “Convening of an emergency National Security Summit involving all stakeholders.”
Ememobong urged stronger intelligence sharing, the start of state police and economic programmes to address root causes.
The party also warned the federal government against politics over protection of citizens.
“The blood of innocent Nigerians continues to cry out for justice and competent leadership. The time for excuses is over; the time for action is now,” Ememobong said.
Officials in Kwara have given varying death tolls; the governor initially confirmed 75 killed, while other reports say higher figures are feared.
