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
-
Let’s live peacefully and shame our saboteurs – Savannah executives of NPP, NDC
1 hour -
Reconstruction of Agona-Nkwanta-Tarkwa road 80 per cent complete
1 hour -
Internet penetration: 10.7 million Ghanaians offline – LONDA Report
2 hours -
USC cancels grad ceremony as campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza continue
2 hours -
Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction overturned in New York
2 hours -
US Supreme Court divided on whether Trump can be prosecuted
2 hours -
There’s enough justification for Affirmative Action Bill to be passed – Minka-Premo
2 hours -
Don’t allow people to manipulate you into vaccine hesitancy – Dr Adipa-Adappoe
2 hours -
Suspend implementation of Planting for Food and Jobs 2.0 for 2024 – Stakeholders
2 hours -
Parkinson’s disease no longer confined to the elderly – Public Health Physician, Dr Momodou Cham warns
2 hours -
Persons living with Parkinson’s disease appeal for support as they face stigmatization
2 hours -
36-year-old-trader sentenced for stealing employer’s money
2 hours -
9 signs you’re falling in love with someone who thoroughly enjoys emotional manipulation
3 hours -
Catholic Diocese of Keta Akatsi hosts Parkinson’s support group meeting
3 hours -
Wa Naa appeals to Akufo-Addo to audit state lands in Wa
3 hours