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
-
South Africa dump site collapse kills 14 suspected illegal miners
3 hours -
Thailand suspends new gun permits after mass shooting
3 hours -
France bans unsolicited telemarketing calls
3 hours -
Anne Hathaway pokes fun at ‘fake baby bump’ theories
3 hours -
The Office actress Lucy Davis says she has ‘incurable’ cancer
3 hours -
Pogba expected to have Monaco contract terminated
4 hours -
Doku ‘not against’ journalist who criticised him at World Cup
4 hours -
Obuasi court remands 2 teachers over alleged attack on SHS headmaster
4 hours -
Mason jailed eight years for robbing pharmacistÂ
4 hours -
Big Push probe: Presidential staffer challenges Fourth Estate’s report on Valerie Sawyerr committee
4 hours -
Since Gold Coast, national security has never faced an open trial – Atta Akyea
4 hours -
This is no case for junior lawyers – Atta Akyea explains why he must defend Adu-Boahene
4 hours -
Lebanon parliament votes to abolish death penalty
4 hours -
Ghana, Burkina Faso sign defence pact to secure cross-border trade corridors
5 hours -
The rise of AI in the classroom: Balancing technological innovation with critical thinking
5 hours