UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack in Kwara State, North-central Nigeria, in which more than 100 people were reportedly killed.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Guterres stressed the importance of swiftly bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly attack to justice.

Terrorists belonging to the Memuda sect reportedly carried out the deadly attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara State from Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday, leaving scores dead and property destroyed.

The UN chief conveyed his "heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Nigeria".

The Secretary-General also wished a speedy recovery to those injured during the assault.

"The Secretary-General reiterates the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Nigeria in their efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism and stresses the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice," the statement said.

According to media reports, armed groups attacked the two rural villages in Kwara State on Tuesday, with the death toll expected to rise as bodies continue to be discovered.

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

The attack was the deadliest recorded in the area in recent months, amid a sharp rise in violence across Nigeria's Northwest and North-central regions, where armed groups have increasingly targeted civilians.

The worsening security situation has also contributed to a deepening humanitarian crisis, with large-scale displacement and growing hunger and malnutrition reported across the affected areas.