Awoniyi condemns Kwara attacks, calls for calm after deadly incidents

Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has appealed for peace in Kwara State following a series of violent attacks that have left residents on edge, Sport360NG reports.

A disturbing video emerged on Tuesday showing an assault on a church in the state. Reports indicate that three people were killed in the incident, while the pastor and several worshippers were abducted.
In a separate attack along the Ilorin–Kabba road, armed men reportedly ambushed travellers and local residents, further heightening public anxiety.

The recent surge in violence has sparked widespread debate across Nigerian social media, coming shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States could intervene militarily over what it views as targeted attacks on Christians in the country.

Awoniyi, who hails from Kwara and runs a foundation in the state, joined the growing calls for calm. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the Super Eagles striker described Kwara as “The State of Harmony” and urged residents to uphold its long-standing reputation for peaceful coexistence.

“The State of Harmony is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, reflecting the peaceful coexistence among one another with different religions and beliefs. Peace shall reign,” he wrote.

While Awoniyi’s message resonated with many of his followers, the broader security challenges facing the region remain complex.
Long confined mostly to the northern part of the country, terrorist attacks have increasingly spread to other regions, raising fresh concerns about national security.