The deadly attacks were launched by unidentified gunmen on four villages in the state of Kaduna, said Samuel Aruwan, the state's commissioner for internal security and home affairs, in a statement.
The attacks happened on Thursday when the gunmen invaded the villages to grab money but met resistance from villagers, The Nation, a local daily, reported Friday.
"From there, the thing started," a source was quoted as saying.
Armed attacks have been a primary security threat in parts of Nigeria, resulting in deaths and kidnappings.
MNA/PR