Death toll in attack by gunmen in Nigeria rises to at least 160

The Red Cross has reported that at least 162 individuals have been killed by gunmen in Nigeria's western Kwara state. This incident is one of the deadliest attacks in the country in recent months. The death toll has increased from an earlier report of 67, according to Babaomo Ayodeji, the Kwara state secretary of the Red Cross. The search for more bodies is ongoing.

The attack occurred late on Tuesday, following recent military operations in the area targeting "terrorist elements." Police have confirmed the attack but have not provided specific casualty figures. As recovery efforts continue, the death toll is expected to rise.

Local reports indicate that gunmen attacked the village of Woro in the Kaiama region around 6 PM, setting shops and the king's palace on fire. The traditional king's whereabouts are currently unknown.

Kwara state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has condemned the attack, describing it as a "cowardly expression of frustration" by terrorist cells in response to ongoing counterterrorism operations in the state.

Nigeria is experiencing a complex security crisis involving armed gangs, known locally as bandits, who loot villages and kidnap individuals for ransom. Additionally, jihadist groups are active in the north-east and north-west, while intercommunal violence is prevalent in central states. The Nigerian military has intensified operations against these groups, often reporting significant militant casualties. However, the nation faces scrutiny due to allegations of religiously motivated violence, which the government and independent experts refute, noting that the security crisis affects both Christians and Muslims indiscriminately.

Based on reporting by Africanews.