Armed men attack three communities in Nigeria's Sokoto, 29 dead - report

Armed men attacked three communities in Goronyo Local Government of Sokoto State in Nigeria on Wednesday, leaving at least 29 people dead, according to local media reports.

The attackers, who were termed as ''bandits'' reportedly set shops on fire and stole cattle too.

It has been reported that the attackers operated freely for more than two hours without any challenge because the area, a distance of three hours from the state capital, is difficult to access. 23 people were killed in Kamitau community, while five were killed in Ololo community. and one person was killed in Rijiyar Tsamiya, according to local media reports.

Violence has gripped Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States in Nigeria's troubled Northwest in recent months, with hundreds killed in attacks locals initially linked to illegal mining and cattle theft.

The attacks have continued despite increased deployment of security to the area, and states and the federal government have yet to identify those behind the killings beyond describing them as "bandits".