Northern Governors Condemn Killings in Kwara, Katsina, Benue; Demand Decisive ActionPublished by AlphapressmediaDate: February 5, 2026

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent wave of violent attacks in Kwara, Katsina, and Benue States, describing the killings as “barbaric, senseless, and a direct assault on the collective conscience of the nation.” The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incidents, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and affected communities.Kwara State (Kaiama LGA): Suspected terrorists struck Woro and Nuku communities on Tuesday night, leaving several casualties. Katsina State (Faskari LGA): At least 20 people were killed in Doma A and Doma B communities of Tafoki Ward. Benue State (Kwande LGA): Scores of residents were reportedly massacred in Abande community of Mbaikyor Ward, Turan. These attacks, targeting defenceless citizens including women, children, and the elderly, have sparked outrage across the region.Governor Yahaya, speaking on behalf of the Northern Governors, declared: “These heinous acts of violence are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. The relentless targeting of defenceless citizens lays bare the inhumanity of these attackers and underscores the pressing necessity for firm and decisive action.” He commended the governors of Kwara, Katsina, and Benue for their resilience and leadership in the face of repeated security challenges, noting their efforts to support affected communities and collaborate with federal authorities.The Forum charged Nigeria’s security agencies to:Intensify intelligence gathering and surveillance. Conduct coordinated operations to track down perpetrators and their backers. Ensure that justice is served and that these crimes do not go unpunished. Governor Yahaya emphasized that protecting lives and property remains a “sacred duty” of the state.The NSGF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Government, traditional institutions, and community leaders to confront insecurity through:Robust security responses. Intelligence-led policing. Long-term socio-economic interventions to address root causes of violence. The statement concluded with prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed, speedy recovery for the injured, and a call for vigilance among citizens.The Northern Governors’ condemnation is not just a routine statement — it is a reflection of the growing frustration across Nigeria as communities continue to suffer repeated attacks. While condolences and prayers are important, what citizens truly demand is visible action and accountability. The killings in Kwara, Katsina, and Benue highlight the urgent need for a coordinated national security strategy that goes beyond reactive measures. Intelligence-led operations, stronger community engagement, and socio-economic reforms must move from promises to reality. Ultimately, the credibility of government at all levels will be judged not by words, but by whether Nigerians can live in peace without fear of violence. The time for decisive action is now.End