A Nigerian army battalion arrived in Kaiama on Wednesday, in Kwara State, in the central-west of the country, just hours after a deadly attack by gunmen that left at least 162 dead, mostly Muslims.
The search continues for more bodies. This death toll has not yet been confirmed by the police. According to local authorities, the victims had refused to be recruited by jihadists, who subscribe to a strange belief system that advocates violence over peace and dialogue. The Nigerian president blamed Boko Haram terrorists for the bloody attack and ordered the deployment of his forces to restore calm to an area plagued by widespread insecurity.
Between jihadist groups increasing pressure on states, armed gangs looting villages and kidnapping people for ransom, and intercommunal violence, the federal government is struggling to function. In a statement, Bola Tinubu denounced the attack as cowardly and brutal.
