Dozens of people have been killed in a ferocious shooting attack on two villages in Nigeria's western state of Kwara, according to authorities and rights groups. The attackers also set fire to shops and homes, along with the residence of the traditional leader, forcing residents of Nuku and Woro to flee, local lawmaker Saidu Baba Ahmed reported.
Officials have attributed the violence to jihadist groups, leading to the deployment of an army battalion in Kwara's Kaiama constituency. This attack, occurring amidst recent violence across Nigeria, coincides with the confirmation of US troops presence in the country to assist with intelligence and training.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has implicated Islamist militant group Boko Haram in this carnage, while state officials point to Lakurawa, an armed group linked to the Islamic State. Eyewitness accounts and rights organizations suggest a rapidly rising death toll, with reports indicating at least 162 victims, many of whom were shot at close range or burned alive.
The human rights group Amnesty International is demanding accountability for the government's failure to protect civilians from such devastating attacks. Concerns about the security situation are amplified as incidents continue, including additional attacks in neighboring states.
In light of escalating violence, the US military's engagement in the region is under scrutiny, with significant implications for Nigeria's fight against a complex array of threats posed by criminal gangs, jihadists, and separatist groups.
