Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has deployed an army battalion to the Kaiama district in central Kwara state following a deadly overnight attack that left 170 people dead, his office said Thursday. The assault targeted Woro village on Tuesday and is the deadliest in the state this year.
The region, bordering Niger, has seen escalating attacks and mass kidnappings by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other armed groups. Security analysts warn jihadist factions are advancing south along the Niger-Kwara axis toward the Kainji forest, potentially establishing a new stronghold.
The attack drew condemnation from Tinubu, who described it as “cowardly and barbaric.” He said the militants specifically targeted villagers who resisted extremist rule and praised community members, including Muslims, for rejecting violent ideologies.
Residents told Reuters the assailants had long preached in the village, urging locals to abandon the Nigerian state and adopt Sharia law. When villagers refused, the militants opened fire, destroying roughly 38 houses, according to Saidu Baba Ahmed, a local lawmaker.
In a separate attack on Tuesday in Katsina state, gunmen killed at least 21 people, moving from house to house, local police and residents said.
Nigeria has faced scrutiny after U.S. President Donald Trump last year accused it of failing to protect Christians from Islamist attacks and kidnappings. Abuja denies any systematic persecution and says it is cooperating with Washington to improve security.