25 civilians killed in NW Nigeria attack

At least 25 civilians were killed and about 70 houses were razed early Sunday in an attack by gunmen in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kaduna, a government official said Monday, reported Xinhua.

The attack took place in Agban Kagoro in the Kaura area of the state, according to Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs.

The killings sparked protests on Monday with irate youths of the area blocking roads and attacking travelers, which forced the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on Jema'a and Kaura local government areas of the state.

Aruwan, who announced this in a statement, said the measure was to allow security agencies to save lives and property and restore law and order in the areas.

The state government appealed to residents of the Jema'a and Kaura areas to work with security agencies on the urgent task of restoring peace, law, and order.

There have been a series of attacks by gunmen in Nigeria in recent months, leading to deaths and kidnappings.