Audio By Carbonatix
Gunmen in the north-western Nigerian state of Sokoto have killed at least 21 people in fresh attacks on several villages in Sabon Birni area.
Residents told the BBC that the attackers on motorbikes also looted food items and other essentials in the villages.
The raids were carried out on Tuesday night, with the village of Sangerawa being the worst hit.
The state's police spokesperson, Sanusi Abubakar, confirmed the killings but said they were still gathering details.
The attacks came as the state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, announced a rise in the death toll to 43 from a Monday attack in Illela town near the Niger border.
The authorities initially said 13 people had been shot dead there - and two others in Goronyo town.
North-western Nigeria has been grappling with armed criminal gangs carrying out killings and kidnappings for ransom.
The authorities are being criticised for failing to tackle the violence despite the deployment of thousands of security forces and the shutting down of internet and mobile phone services in most of the region.
Latest Stories
-
Civil society group calls on the Bank of Ghana to suspend planned normalisation of non-interest banking
1 hour -
Jingle bills: Arkansas Powerball player strikes $1.8bn jackpot on Christmas Eve
1 hour -
Brazil ex-President Jair Bolsonaro’s surgery for hernia ‘successful’
2 hours -
Ghana and Afreximbank announce successful resolution of $750 million facility
5 hours -
IGP inaugurates Ghana Police Music AcademyÂ
5 hours -
Proposed 5-year presidential term will be difficult for underperforming presidents to seek more – Prof Prempeh
5 hours -
Constitution review was inclusive, structured and effective – Prof Prempeh
5 hours -
Public urged to remain vigilant to ensure fire incident-free Christmas Â
5 hours -
Why the fight against neglected tropical diseases is far from over
5 hours -
Reported losses from gold operations in 2025 remain speculative – BoG
6 hours -
Fighting AIDS and STIs in Africa: UNFPA equips youth to turn data into action
6 hours -
Amaarae returns to Accra for homecoming concert
6 hours -
5-year term will be harsher on presidents, not kinder, says Constitution Review Chair
6 hours -
BoG set to exit gold trading business, describes IMF’s losses tag as premature
6 hours -
Minerals Commission Board member warns Blue Water Guards against bribes
6 hours