Gunmen kill 60 in Nigeria

KANO, Apr 09 (AFP): Gunmen have killed at least 60 people across several remote villages in northwest Nigeria this week, local clergy and humanitarian groups said Wednesday, as the country battles a surge in insecurity in its Muslim-majority north.

The attacks, spanning the neighbouring states of Kebbi and Niger, have hit at least 10 villages, according to clergymen and a humanitarian report seen by AFP.

According to a situation report citing three local humanitarian sources, including staff at a health facility and a community organising group, 20 deaths were recorded in a Tuesday attack in Erena, in Shiroro local government area of Niger state.

Local resident Tijjani Ibrahim estimated dozens of armed men invaded his village, "shooting sporadically, killing people and burning our houses".