Separate attacks by bandits on villages in three local government areas, Igabi, Chikun and Zango Kataf, all in Kaduna State, have left no fewer than seven people killed.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the attacks in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, four people were killed and one injured during the attack on Kerawa village of Igabi LGA.
He added that a report by security agencies indicated that the bandits attacked the village, shooting sporadically, and in the process killed four residents.
The commissioner said that one other person was left injured, while the gunmen carted away some motorcycles and food supplies from the community.
This came as two people were also killed by gunmen in two attacks in Igabi and Chikun LGAs.
It was learnt that the gunmen invaded Sabon Garin Ungwar Dalha, a village in the outskirts of the Maraban Jos area of Igabi LGA, and later broke into some homes, shooting into the air.
It was learnt that a woman was caught by their gunfire and died instantly.
Gunmen also attacked Ungwan Zallah in Udawa of Chikun LGA, where they shot one man to death.
In another incident, they attacked commuters along the Ungwan Rimi-Afana road in Zangon Kataf killing, killing one person in the process.
Aruwan explained that the victim sustained gunshot wounds to the chest, and was rushed to hospital, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead.
The statement noted that Governor Nasir El-Rufai received the reports of the killings with deep sadness.
The governor conveyed his sincere condolences to the families of the citizens who were killed in the attacks across the LGAs and wished the injured persons speedy recovery, even as he commiserated with the attacked communities.