Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday expressed deep shock and sadness over the killing of at least 25 villagers by a local armed group in the northwestern state of Sokoto.

The deceased were buried on Sunday following the attack in three villages of Rabah local government area of the state on Saturday evening.

A large number of gunmen reportedly stormed the Kalhu, Tsage, and Geeri villages in the area, sparing no one at sight during the attack. The attackers also stole hundreds of cows, sheep, and valuables belongings to the people, according to local police.

The President condemned all acts of violence and terrorism against innocent Nigerians, reiterating that perpetrators and sponsors of such dastardly acts would be held accountable under the law.

He said his administration would not relent in the fight to neutralize terrorists, armed groups, and kidnappers around the country.

Rabah is one of the local government areas in Nigeria's northwest region which has witnessed armed group attacks in the country in recent times.

Hundreds of lives have been lost and many others rendered homeless following such attacks in that part of the West African country.

At least 108 people have been killed by armed groups in Sokoto since 2018, according to government data.

Xinhua