Terrorists reportedly sent a letter informing the residents of their intention to preach before attacking the Nuru and Woro communities in Kwara State.
On Wednesday, at least 75 people were killed, and numerous homes were set on fire during the assault on these communities in Kaiama Local Government Area (LGA).
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq attributed the violent attack to Islamic fundamentalists.
In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the LGA to restore order.
According to the BBC, the terrorists had sent a letter to Umar Bio Salihu, the traditional leader of the affected area, informing him of their plans.
The attackers’ ideology was described as an extremist interpretation of Islam.
Salihu, who was not at home when the assault began, said the terrorists first visited his house, abducting his wife and children. Upon returning, he found his home destroyed, and tragically, two of his children had been killed.
The traditional leader revealed that the terrorists sought to force residents to renounce their allegiance to the Nigerian government and adopt their extremist beliefs.
“This is against what the Quran teaches,” Salihu said, condemning the group’s actions.
Abdulla Umar Usman, a resident of Woro, described the attackers as overwhelming in number.
He shared that two of the community head’s children, both medical students, were killed in front of their home before the terrorists set it ablaze.
Amnesty International reported that the terrorists had been distributing leaflets to the two villages over the past five months, likely to spread their radical ideology.
Saidu Baba Ahmed, a Kwara lawmaker, confirmed to the BBC that the traditional leader had informed security officials about the letter, but despite a brief visit by military personnel to investigate, the attackers launched their deadly assault shortly after the military left.
The attack highlights the ongoing threats posed by extremist groups in parts of Nigeria, with residents left in fear as they face growing insecurity in their communities.