ANKARA

Turkey condemned an attack Saturday in central Nigeria on five buses carrying Muslims which left at least 22 dead and many others severely injured. 

“We are deeply saddened to receive the news that dozens of people lost their lives and many were wounded as a result of an attack on a convoy carrying passengers who were returning following their hajj worship, on 14 August 2021 in Plateau state of Nigeria,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday.

While denouncing the “heinous terrorist attack,” Turkey also wished a speedy recovery for the injured and God’s mercy on the dead.

The country conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims and to the “friendly and brotherly people and Government of Nigeria.”

The attackers reportedly dragged the victims from the vehicles and killed many of them using machetes, knives, daggers, stones and other weapons.

Nigerian authorities imposed a curfew Sunday in Plateau a day after the ambush of the convoy, reportedly by a Christian militia. 

President Muhammadu Buhari has issued a statement condemning the incident. 

A conflict in northwest and central Nigeria between mainly Muslim nomadic herders and Christian farmers has been ongoing for years over several issues, including control of resources, water and land.