Why Shettima Never Reached Affected Kwara Towns
The Vice President’s condolence trip to Kwara State has stirred controversy after claims that Kashim Shettima was stopped from reaching Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, where more than 170 people were killed in a Boko Haram attack.
Sources say the visit was limited to Ilorin, leaving the devastated community unseen and unheard.
Officials familiar with events at the Government House in Ilorin alleged that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq told the Vice President the journey to Woro was too long for a same-day return.
According to the sources, this explanation was false and was merely used to conceal the deplorable condition of the road leading to the community.
The route, which passes through parts of Oyo State before reaching Kaiama, was described as severely damaged and unsuitable for high-profile travel.
Disappointment grew among community leaders who had hoped the Vice President would meet grieving families directly.
One source said, “Instead of allowing the Vice President to visit the community where over 170 people were slaughtered, the governor involved some stakeholders from the community and asked them to come to Ilorin to meet the Vice President,” while another questioned, “What is the essence of coming to Kwara for a condolence visit and not going to the exact place where the incident occurred? Why can’t the Vice President be given a chopper to fly directly to the community if the government is truly concerned?”
He announced the deployment of soldiers to the area and support from emergency agencies, before leaving for another engagement.
Critics, however, say the failure to reach Woro deepened feelings of neglect in a community that had earlier warned authorities about suspicious movements before the attack.
