Armed Attacks in Nigeria Leave 162 Dead as Violence Escalates

Armed groups in Nigeria have killed at least 162 people in attacks on two villages in western Nigeria, marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent months. The assaults occurred on the evening of March 12, 2024, targeting the villages of Woro and Nuku in Kwara State. According to Mohammed Omar Bio, a local lawmaker, the attacks were conducted by the Lakurawa, an armed faction linked to the Islamic State.

Local officials reported that the Red Cross has struggled to reach the affected areas due to their remoteness, which is approximately eight hours from the state capital and close to Nigeria’s border with Benin. Ayodeji Emmanuel Babaomo, the Red Cross secretary in Kwara, emphasized the challenges faced in providing assistance following the “scores of people” killed in the violence. Disturbing footage broadcast on local television depicted bodies lying in blood, some with their hands tied, alongside burning structures.

In response to the attacks, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara, condemned the violence as a “cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells.” This incident is part of a broader and complex security crisis in Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly targeted communities.

Broader Context of Violence and Security Challenges

The situation in Nigeria remains precarious, with an ongoing insurgency in the northeast led by Islamic militants, coupled with a rise in kidnappings for ransom across the northwest and north-central regions. On the same day as the attacks in Kwara, unknown assailants killed at least 13 people in a separate incident in Doma, located in Katsina State.

In recent months, violence attributed to the Boko Haram extremist group has also escalated, with reports indicating that at least 36 people were killed last week in attacks on a construction site and an army base in northeastern Nigeria. The armed groups operating in the country include factions associated with the Islamic State, such as the Islamic State West Africa Province and the less prominent Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), known locally as Lakurawa.

Researcher James Barnett from the Washington-based Hudson Institute suggested that the Kwara state attacks were likely carried out by the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, or JAS, a faction of Boko Haram responsible for several recent massacres in the region.

International Response and Ongoing Military Operations

In light of the escalating violence, the head of U.S. Africa Command announced that a small team of military officers has been deployed to Nigeria, which marks a continued effort in addressing the country’s security crisis. The U.S. had previously conducted airstrikes against IS-affiliated militants in Nigeria in December 2023, highlighting the international concern regarding the deteriorating situation.

Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the U.S. have been strained, particularly after threats from former President Donald Trump to take action against Nigeria, citing inadequate protection for Christian citizens within the country. The violence in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security measures and international cooperation to address the persistent threats posed by extremist groups.

The recent attacks in Kwara serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of its citizens.