Nigerian President of Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco following the earthquake in his homeland, which claimed many lives.

Passing Tinub's condolence message, Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the president commiserated with all the families who lost loved ones and those affected by the tragedy, while wishing a full and swift recovery to those who were injured.

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

“In the face of this adversity, Nigeria will continue to stand in solidarity with Morocco as they recover, rebuild and come out stronger than ever from this unfortunate event,” the president said.

Access24 reports that officials, early Saturday revealed that a powerful earthquake that happened in Morocco killed more than 600 people, which sent errified residents fleeing their homes in the middle of the night.

According to report by the United States Geological Survey, the 6.8-magnitude quake struck a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) on Friday.

There were also reports of strong tremors, also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira, as Moroccan media reported it was the most powerful quake to ever hit the country.