Authorities and activists say dozens of people were killed in a violent attack on two villages in Nigeria’s western Kwara State.

The attackers set fire to shops and homes, including the residence of a traditional leader, prompting residents of Nuku and Woro to flee, local official Saidu Baba Ahmed told BBC Hausa.

State authorities have blamed extremist groups and deployed troops to the area. Nigeria’s defence minister confirmed that a small contingent of US forces has entered the country to assist with reconnaissance and training.

President Bola Tinubu attributed the attack to the jihadist group Boko Haram, while local lawmaker Mohammed Omar Bayo said the assault was carried out by an armed group linked to the Islamic State, Lakurawa.

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said 75 people were “brutally killed.” Ahmed initially reported at least 35 fatalities, while human rights activists have suggested the toll is significantly higher. Amnesty International said more than 170 people were killed, most by close-range gunfire.