President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco following Friday’s devastating earthquake in his homeland, which claimed over 800 lives.

Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the president commiserates with all families who lost loved ones and all those otherwise affected by this tragedy, while wishing a full and swift recovery to those who were injured.

President Tinubu assured the government and people of Morocco that the heartfelt prayers and thoughts of Nigerians are with them during this difficult moment of tragedy.

At least 820 people were killed in Morocco’s deadliest earthquake in decades on Saturday, according to officials. The earthquake also caused extensive damage and sent panicked locals and visitors fleeing for safety in the middle of the night.

The 6.8-magnitude quake struck a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) Friday, the US Geological Survey reported.

Strong tremors were also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira.