Panic In Kwara’s Kaiama Community As Suspected Terrorists Storm Cattle Market Days After 170 Killed, Traders Flee
Panic Hits Kaiama Kara Market Amid Fresh Terror Fears in Kwara
February 6, 2026
Kaiama town in Kwara State was thrown into chaos on Thursday evening as panic swept through the popular Kara cattle market following reports that suspected terrorists had entered the area.
The incident occurred barely 48 hours after a deadly attack in the community reportedly claimed at least 162 lives, further heightening fear and tension among residents.
Multiple sources told SaharaReporters that the market, typically bustling with traders and buyers, was crowded when unfamiliar individuals believed to be armed were sighted, triggering a mass panic and stampede.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said traders and customers fled in fear as rumours of armed men spread rapidly.
“The market was full and people were doing their normal business when some unknown faces entered. People said they were armed. I didn’t see them myself, but once the news spread, everyone started running. There was panic everywhere, and I had to abandon goods I bought because of the stampede,” the resident said.
The resident expressed frustration over what was described as inadequate security response, accusing authorities of failing to protect the community despite recent attacks.
“The government brought soldiers, but they are only driving around in vans. There is no serious security presence. Many unknown faces entered Kaiama because of the market, and the soldiers didn’t stop anyone,” the source added.
Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of confusion and deserted market stalls following the scare. In one clip posted by a TikTok user identified as Abiola, the user lamented the growing fear in the community, describing residents as living under constant terror.
Another video showed the Kara market largely deserted, with the caption calling on God for protection amid the rising insecurity.
Residents said the latest scare has compounded fears following the reported massacre earlier in the week, which left about 170 people dead.
According to locals, youths and community leaders had repeatedly warned traditional rulers, local government officials, and the Kwara State Government about suspicious movements of armed men in nearby forests prior to the attacks, but no decisive action was taken.
“We raised the alarm many times. Armed strangers were seen camping in the bushes, but nobody acted. Now the whole town is living in fear,” another resident said.
Despite the deployment of soldiers to Kaiama, traders and residents questioned the effectiveness of the security presence, describing it as largely symbolic and insufficient to secure public spaces such as markets.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Nigerian Army and the Kwara State Government were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Messages sent to the Army Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, received no response.