KANO: Dozens of people were killed when an armed gang opened fire on traders and locals in northern Nigeria, residents and police said yesterday, reports AFP.

The carnage happened in Birani village, in the Zurmi area of Zamfara state, where previous bloody clashes have been blamed on cattle rustlers and kidnapping gangs.

Rural communities in the region have long been plagued by cattle thieves, who kill villagers, loot and torch homes, prompting locals to form vigilante groups to defend themselves.

Police said 18 people died in the violence but according to locals more than twice as many people lost their lives.

“We buried 41 people yesterday (Thursday) as a result of the attack from bandits who came on motorcycles, opening fire on anyone they could see,” said Lawwali Bube, from the village.

“They started by attacking a truck conveying bridesmaids and some traders.