Gunmen burnt at least 21 passengers to death including children when their bus was ambushed by gunmen in Sokoto state on Monday.
The passengers were travelling from Sabon Birni to the town of Isa near the border with Niger Republic.
Police spokesperson Sanusi Abubakar said many others who were injured in the incident are receiving treatment in a hospital for severe burns.
One of those involved in evacuating the casualties described the scene as “horrendous” and that most of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.
The attack happened late on Monday but details are just emerging due to poor communication services in the area.
Some reports say the attackers deliberately set the vehicle on fire burning the occupants alive while another account indicates the fire ignited on the bus as a result of the attackers’ gunfire.
The police say they are investigating the circumstances of the attack.
Travellers are frequently targeted as the region continues to grapple with a wave of violence by armed gangs carrying out kidnappings for ransom as well as killings.
