Armed gangs killed 57 people in a string of attacks on villages in northwest Nigeria, residents said on Wednesday, as security forces struggle to curb violence in the region.
"We lost a total of 57 people in the attacks across the six villages," a local leader told AFP on condition of anonymity as he feared for his safety.
In the worst-hit village of Kadisau the assailants - dubbed "bandits" by locals - shot and killed 33 people, local resident Mohammed Salisu said.
The attackers opened fire on a football pitch where young men were watching a local match, said Sada Audi, a resident of nearby village said.
Residents said 24 more people were later killed across the villages of Hayin Kabalawa, Garke, Makera, Kwakwere and Maiganguna.
