30 killed in gunmen attack: Nigerian police

ABUJA, March 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 People were killed by gunmen who attacked a village in Nigeria's northwestern state of Zamfara, local Police confirmed Tuesday.

A spokesman for the Police in Zamfara, Mohammed Shehu, told Xinhua that the Kware village in Shinkafi district was raided for several hours early Monday. The gunmen opened fire on residents and burned their homes.

"Thirty residents were killed in the Kware attack. I can confirm that to you," Shehu said.

Hundreds of motorbike-riding gunmen stormed the village to wreak the havoc, according to local People.

Locals gave a higher death figure of at least 35 People, confirming that many villagers fled for safety. Some others are still missing.

One survivor identified as Yunusa Lawal said the attack began when he heard voices of helpless women screaming for help and helpless children crying louder as they were stranded looking for their fleeing mothers.

Lawal said he heard leaders among the gunmen giving orders for killing anybody at sight.

Scores of residents including old ones and children who escaped the attack are taking refuge in the local government headquarters of Shinkafi, after trekking several kilometers to their destination.

Local Police said it has launched an investigation into the attack.

Zamfara, as well as neighboring Kaduna State in Nigeria's northwest region, has witnessed a series of onslaughts by gunmen in recent months.