Alleged jihadist gunmen massacred residents of Woro village in west-central Nigeria, leaving a community shattered and searching for its dead.
The attackers had earlier sent a letter saying they would come to preach, according to village chief Umar Bio Salihu.
When villagers ignored the message, the gunmen arrived Tuesday evening, opening fire, burning homes, and killing indiscriminately, Salihu told AFP.
The assault began around 5:00 pm and lasted until about 3:00 am, plunging the Muslim-majority village into hours of terror.
Salihu survived by hiding before fleeing, but lost two sons, while his wife and three daughters were abducted.
The Red Cross said at least 162 people were killed, making it one of Nigeria’s deadliest attacks in recent months.
AFP reporters later found Woro largely deserted, its streets lined with ashes, rubble, and burned-out vehicles.
Resident Muhammed Abdulkarim said the attackers initially appeared to be soldiers before revealing themselves as armed bandits.
He described victims being chased, tied, and shot at close range, losing 12 family members and his two-year-old son.
Woro lies near forest hideouts used by jihadist groups and criminal gangs driving years of violence across northern Nigeria.
Despite being Muslim, villagers rejected extremist ideology, Salihu said, adding that no one attended the proposed preaching.
After he alerted security services, Salihu believes the militants returned in anger, unleashing the massacre.
Kwara State’s governor reported 75 deaths, but residents said more than 165 bodies were buried.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the “beastly attack,” deployed troops, and pledged justice, as Nigeria again confronts deepening insecurity.
