Security expert Salihu Dantata claims Kwara attack fatalities exceed government reports, warning casualties could be as high as 300

Security expert Salihu Dantata has claimed that the number of people killed in the recent Kwara State attack far exceeds official government figures.

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Dantata made the statement on Thursday during an interview with Arise Television, saying that residents of the affected local government areas were transmitting information as the attack unfolded, but rescue efforts did not arrive in time.

“You see, starting from the federal government, that particular arena and access has just exited from Mamuda terrorist invasion. That was the same local government joined by Baruto local government, where the Mamuda terrorists had threatened them not to go to farm in the farming season,” Dantata said.

He continued: “As the incident was happening, residents already started transmitting the information. Unfortunately, rescue did not come until a lot of people were massacred. Even the figure the government is trying to give now is below reality. Before I got here, they told me casualties were rising up to 300.”

The attack, which reportedly targeted multiple communities, highlights growing concerns over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, with residents and analysts alike criticising delayed emergency response.

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Authorities have yet to confirm the updated casualty figures, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.