12 killed in armed attack in northwestern Nigeria

Abuja --- At least 12 people were killed in an armed attack in northwestern Nigeria, authorities said today.

Local sources said the attackers stormed Lajinge village in Sokoto State, killing 12 people, wounding four others, and abducting several women and children.

They added that six members of the same family were burned to death after the attackers set their home on fire. Nigerian police said an investigation into the attack was underway and that its findings would be announced at a later date.

The attack came a week after at least 24 farmers were killed by armed groups in the neighboring Zamfara State. Armed criminal gangs have for years carried out kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and deadly attacks on villages across northern and central Nigeria.