At least 162 people, and potentially more than 200, have been killed in a wave of suspected jihadist attacks this week in Kwara state, western Nigeria, according to local officials and survivors, marking a shocking escalation of Islamist violence in a region not historically dominated by such groups. Reports indicate the victims were largely Muslims targeted for refusing to submit to extremist ideology, underscoring a growing pattern of jihadist factions turning on fellow Muslims who resist radicalization.

The deadliest assault struck Woro village, where community leaders estimate more than 100 people were killed. As of this week, 75 bodies have been recovered, with many others believed to remain hidden in nearby bushland or burned beyond recognition after attackers torched homes. Witnesses say an estimated 200 armed jihadists overran the village, executing residents and setting entire neighborhoods ablaze. Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Nigerian police identified the attackers as members of Lakurawa, a relatively new Islamic State affiliate, acting in reprisal after the village head rejected their “strange doctrine” promoting jihad and mass violence.

Additional attacks were reported in Nuku and Patigi, also in Kwara state. Elsewhere, at least 20 people were killed in Katsina state and 17 more in Benue state, pushing the nationwide death toll from this week’s violence well into the hundreds. Authorities say Lakurawa and similar groups are increasingly punishing communities that refuse to cooperate, pay tribute, or adopt extremist teachings.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings as “cowardly and beastly,” announcing the immediate deployment of military forces under Operation Savannah Shield to secure affected areas and pursue the attackers. Tinubu emphasized that the victims were Muslims who rejected the group’s “obnoxious attempt at indoctrination,” choosing nonviolent Islam over jihadist extremism.

Survivors and local residents, however, voiced deep anger and despair over what they describe as a slow and ineffective government response. One resident told Daily Trust, “Is there really a government in this country? They have failed us.” In Kwara, fear of retaliation reportedly prevented villagers from alerting authorities sooner, contributing to the staggering death toll.

The attacks follow President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom, as well as U.S. airstrikes on Christmas Day targeting Lakurawa positions in northwest Nigeria. Security experts warn the violence reflects a broader jihadist shift, with groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State offshoots, long known for targeting Christians in the Middle Belt and northeast, now increasingly murdering Muslims who refuse to submit to their ideology.