Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Aten community in Ganawuri District of Riyom local government area of Plateau State, on Friday, conducted a mass burial for 30 of its indigenes who were killed when terrorists struck the Woro community of Kaiama local government area of Kwara State on February 3, 2026.
The Deputy Chairman of the council, Gwong Song, had on February 17, confirmed the death of over 30 indigenes of the council who were killed by the terrorists who invaded the Woro community.
While briefing newsmen, Song had also revealed that over 500 of the council’s natives who had travelled to Kwara for farming and commercial activities were displaced during the attack and promised that the council, in conjunction with the Plateau State government was working together to bring home the deceased for proper burial.
The mass burial and memorial service for the victims which was conducted by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the Ganawuri District in collaboration with the Aten Development Association, ADA, held at the EKAN Primary School in Ganawuri, drew government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, returnees and grieving families in an emotional gathering marked by prayers, reflection and calls for peace.
In her condolence message, Plateau State Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, who represented Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, described the killing of the natives who comprised of youths, women and children, as a tragic loss not only to the Aten people but to Riyom LGA and Plateau State as a whole.
Piyo promised that the state government would continue to stand in solidarity with the Aten community during their moment of pain and mourning, assuring the victims families of moral support.
Also speaking during the service, the state Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Gang, expressed her sympathy to the survivors and disclosed that trauma care would be provided to assist returnees. She noted that many victims remain missing while others continue to return.
The Ata’a Aten of Ganawuri and President of the Riyom Traditional Council, HRH Yakubu Chaimang, who also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noted the heavy toll on families and the wider community, and called on the government to do everything possible to bring justice to the grieving families and the victims.
Executive Chairman of Riyom LGA, Bature Sati Shuwa, described the killings as gruesome and heartbreaking, stressing that the loss extends beyond Ganawuri District.
“We share in your grief. The loss is enormous, but we must not allow darkness to overcome our unity and resilience,” he stated, while reaffirming his commitment to the safety and welfare of residents.
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