The state government had attributed the violent attacks to Islamic fundamentalists.
The head of Woro, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, says the bandits that attacked the community operated for many hours before security operatives eventually arrived.
On Wednesday, over 100 residents were killed, with several houses set ablaze when terrorists attacked the community.
The state government had attributed the violent attacks to Islamic fundamentalists.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently ordered the deployment of an army battalion in the LGA.
Speaking on News Central TV, Salihu added that a letter was sent a few months ago, indicating that the terrorists wanted to visit the village for preaching.
“Immediately I got the letter, I took it to the DSS. I also took it to the emirate council and the appropriate authorities were informed. What they said in the letter was that they were coming to preach,” he said.
The letter, which was shown during the interview, was dated 19 Rajab 1447, equivalent to January 8.
The senders of the letter identified themselves as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’adati wal-Jihad (JAS), the main Boko Haram faction now led by its overall leader, Bakura Doro, who succeeded late Abubakar Shekau.
Salihu added that many Christian worshippers were burnt in a church during the attack.
“There are some who were burned down in the church. Some, they locked them inside their rooms and set it on fire. Those who were burned inside the church, we cannot identify some."
SaharaReporters had reported that Kaiama town in Kwara State was thrown into chaos on Thursday evening as panic gripped the popular Kara cattle market following reports of suspected terrorists entering the area.
The incident had come barely 24 hours after a massacre in the community reportedly claimed the lives of at least 170 people which heightened fears among residents.
Multiple sources from Kaiama had told SaharaReporters that the market, usually a hub of trade and social activity, was crowded when strangers, believed to be armed, suddenly appeared, sparking widespread alarm.
One resident, who spoke to SaharaReporters, had said: “That market was filled to the beam, people were doing their normal business. Suddenly some unknown faces entered the market, inside the Kara. People said they were armed. Personally I did not see them because I was at the section where they were selling food stuff when the news spread, so people started running for their lives. Even me, I have to leave some food stuff I bought for my business inside the market because it was very intense and panic everywhere. A very big stampade.”
The source expressed frustration over the government’s response, accusing security operatives of failing to provide meaningful protection.
“It is true that the government brought some soldiers but what have they done? They are only moving around the streets with their vans. No serious security up till now. A lot of unknown faces enter Kaiama yesterday because of the markets and these soldiers could not even stop them,” the resident said.
SaharaReporters also traced videos circulating on social media, showing terrified market-goers running in all directions.