The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ganawuri District, in collaboration with the Aten Development Association of Riyom, has held a solemn memorial service to honour more than 30 Aten indigenes killed in the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro community in Kaiama of Kwara State.
The ceremony, held Friday at 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.
Many of the victims were Aten natives who had migrated to Woro for farming and livelihood opportunities. Following the attack, over 1,200 displaced Aten residents were repatriated to their ancestral homes in Ganawuri, although reports indicate that several survivors remain displaced.
The memorial service also included a burial ceremony in honour of the deceased, alongside prayers for comfort and healing for bereaved families.
In her condolence message, Plateau State Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo described the killings as a tragic loss not only to the Aten people but to Riyom LGA and Plateau State as a whole.
“The Plateau State Government stands in solidarity with the Aten community during this moment of pain and mourning,” she said, assuring victims of moral support.
Plateau Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Gang, expressed sympathy to survivors and disclosed that trauma care would be provided to assist returnees. She noted that many victims remain missing while others continue to return.
Traditional and Religious Leaders Call for Peace
The Ata’a Aten of Ganawuri and President of the Riyom Traditional Council, HRH Yakubu Chaimang, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting the heavy toll on families and the wider community.
A sermon delivered by Rev. Yusuf Wan Bagu of the Plateau State Pilgrims Welfare Board urged resilience and faith, drawing from John 15:18–20.
Local Government Urges Unity, Security Action
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 said, while reaffirming commitment to the safety and welfare of residents.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend perpetrators and ensure justice.
Aten Community Demands Justice, Urgent Intervention
Addressing a world press conference, Dr. Gyang Joshua, Chief of Health Services, speaking on behalf of CAN, the Aten Youth Movement and the Aten Development Association, called for swift government intervention to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
The community reported that more than 20 Aten victims were among over 160 people killed in the attack, leaving widows, orphans and displaced survivors in urgent need of support.
They appealed for:
- Thorough investigation and prosecution of perpetrators
- Immediate humanitarian assistance from agencies including NEMA, NCFRMI and PLASEMA
- Enhanced security protection for migrant farming communities
Commitment to Peace
Despite the tragedy, Aten leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and national unity, rejecting retaliation and calling for justice and reconstruction efforts.
The memorial concluded with prayers for the repose of the departed and renewed appeals for unity, vigilance and collective action against insecurity.
Community leaders stressed that the memory of the victims must inspire justice, protection and lasting peace for vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
