The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has condemned the attacks perpetrated over the weekend in Zamfara state in which scores of civilians were killed by bandits. 

Mr Guterres who spoke through his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

According to reports, an estimated 200 people or more were killed in villages in the northwestern state of Zamfara during deadly reprisals by armed bandits following military air strikes on their hideouts.

The bandits stormed five villages in Anka and Bukkuyum local government areas from Tuesday to Wednesday and left behind a trail of blood.

The bandits burnt down the five villages, killed many residents and mutilated their bodies. As at Saturday morning, 200 people had been buried in funerals.

The secretary-general urged the Nigerian authorities to spare no effort in bringing those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice.

Mr Guterres reaffirmed the solidarity and support of the UN to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime.

(NAN)