A criminal gang has carried out a massacre in northwestern Nigeria. Police in Kebbi state says 88 bodies have been found after seven villages were attacked on Thursday.
The death toll is expected to rise further.
The attack was allegedly carried out by cattle thieves riding motorcycles through the Danko-Wasagu district. Many residents fled and are still missing. Police have sent troops to the area to prevent further attacks.
The perpetrators are believed to be from a neighbouring state. Many gangs terrorize surrounding areas from their hideouts in the vast Rugu forest. Security forces in the north of the country are also embroiled in armed conflict with jihadists and appear powerless to end the violence.
Gangs have also been able to increase their attacks on schools in recent months. They kidnap large groups of students and then make ransom demands. Authorities in the state of Niger announced last week that they are negotiating with criminals who kidnapped 136 children from an Islamic school.