Gunmen kidnap 11 in Sokoto

Gunmen have kidnapped at least 11 people, including a Muslim cleric, in two separate attacks in Sokoto state, Nigeria, reports say.

They happened on Friday and Saturday in the Sabon Birni area of the northwest state.

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Maj Gen Ali Monguno was visiting the region at the time and reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling growing insecurity.

• Sokoto Attack: Death toll rises to 43

Dozens of passengers were killed in the state last week when gunmen ambushed and set fire to their bus.

On Friday, there were protests in several cities calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to do more to stop the attacks.