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In a series of attacks, armed groups have claimed the lives of over 100 individuals in central Nigeria, with some accusing the attacks of targeting Christians.

Local officials reported on Monday that the death toll from the weekend’s hostilities has escalated dramatically, with as many as 113 confirmed fatalities, an increase from the government’s initial count of 16.

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Kassah, head of the local government in Bokkos, Plateau State, described the attacks as “well-coordinated,” affecting at least 20 communities and injuring more than 300 people. Officials have not been able to identify who the attackers were.

Gyang Bere, spokesperson for Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, assured that “proactive measures will be taken by the government to curb ongoing attacks against innocent civilians.”

The Middle Belt of Nigeria, including Plateau, has been a hotspot for tension and violence due to its ethnically and religiously diverse population. In recent years, these factors have led to numerous deadly clashes between Muslim herders and Christian farmers.