UPDATE - UN, African Union condemn terrorist attack in Nigeria that killed at least 170

​​​​​​​REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE, ADDS STATEMENTS FROM UN, GERMANY AND TÜRKIYE

By Mevlut Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) - The UN, African Union and countries including Türkiye, Germany and Benin on Thursday offered condolences and condemned a terrorist attack in western Nigeria that killed at least 170 people.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the attack in Kwara State, expressing condolences to the victims' families and the Nigerian government while wishing a swift recovery to the injured.

Guterres reiterated the UN’s solidarity with Abuja in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism, stressing the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry extended its condolences, reaffirming Türkiye’s solidarity, adding that Ankara "will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism."

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the terrorist attack that took place in Nigeria's Kwara state," it said on the US social media company X’s platform.

Germany also condemned the attack and pledged Berlin’s support for Nigeria’s security and stability.

“Our thoughts are with the relatives of the victims & the survivors,” the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Benin also expressed its “most sincere condolences” to the families of the victims, the Nigerian people and the government.

It reiterated its solidarity with Abuja in combating terrorism and violent extremism, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called the attack a "heinous and barbaric act," a severe violation of human rights, and an "unacceptable" attack on peace and security, according to a statement Wednesday.

Youssouf extended his condolences to the victims’ families and expressed “full solidarity” with the Nigerian government and Kwara State authorities.

The African Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen peace, security and stability across the country.

On Tuesday, armed groups attacked two villages in Kwara State, killing at least 170 people.

Many of the victims were reportedly shot at close range, while homes and shops were set ablaze, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushland.

The Kwara State government confirmed Wednesday that 75 victims were buried in a mass grave, but local lawmaker Saidu Baba Ahmed told Anadolu on Thursday that 170 bodies were recovered, with the death toll expected to rise.

“Information at my disposal indicated that the casualties have risen to 170. So our people are still in the bush searching for more bodies. Thirty-five women were abducted. Survivors are also taking refuge in the bush,” he said.

Kwara State, particularly communities bordering forest belts, has in recent months faced growing security challenges linked to banditry, kidnapping and the movement of armed groups fleeing military pressure in neighboring states in the northwest and north-central regions.