The authorities in Burkina Faso have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the deaths of 28 people whose bodies were found in the north-western town of Nouna.

In a  statement, the government said the killings were discovered on the night of 30 December and condemned the “unacceptable violence”.

The Reuters news agency quotes prosecutors as saying that the victims were killed by gunfire, but there was no indication of the possible perpetrators or motive for the attacks.

The authorities have called for calm pending the outcome of the investigation.

“This drama occurs at a time when Burkina Faso has initiated an operation of mobilization of the whole people for the unity of action in the fight against terrorism,” the government statement said.

The West African country is battling an Islamist insurgency that has already displaced nearly two million people and prompted two military coups within a year.

Source:bbc.com