Dozens of people have been killed by unidentified gunmen in a ferocious attack on two villages in Nigeria's western state of Kwara, local lawmaker Saidu Baba Ahmed has told BBC Hausa. The attackers set fire to shops and homes, along with the residence of the traditional leader, forcing the residents of Nuku and Woro to flee, he added. The death toll is unclear, with Ahmed stating at least 35 people had died, while a Red Cross official told the AFP news agency that the figure had surged to 162.
This attack is just one of several that have occurred across Nigeria in the last 24 hours, coinciding with the defense minister's confirmation to the BBC of a small team of U.S. troops present in Nigeria for intelligence and training assistance.
Defense Minister Christopher Musa refrained from disclosing details regarding the size, location, or duration of this troop presence. His acknowledgment marks the first official confirmation since U.S. actions in November aimed at addressing operations against Islamist militant groups. The attack in Kwara has been attributed to suspected bandits, as the local police spokesperson indicated, highlighting the increasing complexity of Nigeria's security landscape, which includes challenges from criminal gangs, separatist movements, and rising jihadist activities.
Local residents described the situation as chaotic, with gunshots echoing as they fled into the forests. with various reports suggesting that related security forces have been deployed to the region to manage the escalating violence while concerns remain about missing individuals. The tragic incident underscores the dire need for effective security measures in Nigeria, a country already grappling with various forms of violence and instability.
This attack is just one of several that have occurred across Nigeria in the last 24 hours, coinciding with the defense minister's confirmation to the BBC of a small team of U.S. troops present in Nigeria for intelligence and training assistance.
Defense Minister Christopher Musa refrained from disclosing details regarding the size, location, or duration of this troop presence. His acknowledgment marks the first official confirmation since U.S. actions in November aimed at addressing operations against Islamist militant groups. The attack in Kwara has been attributed to suspected bandits, as the local police spokesperson indicated, highlighting the increasing complexity of Nigeria's security landscape, which includes challenges from criminal gangs, separatist movements, and rising jihadist activities.
Local residents described the situation as chaotic, with gunshots echoing as they fled into the forests. with various reports suggesting that related security forces have been deployed to the region to manage the escalating violence while concerns remain about missing individuals. The tragic incident underscores the dire need for effective security measures in Nigeria, a country already grappling with various forms of violence and instability.
