(Updates with quote)

KANO, Nigeria, April 23 (Reuters) - Thousands of opposition supporters carrying sticks lit bonfires on the streets of Nigeria's largest northern city of Kano on Monday after the ruling party was announced winner of presidential elections.

Police fired tear gas and arrested several protesters, witnesses said. The demonstrations were in support of opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari, who has rejected the election result as "blatantly rigged".

"Groups of young men and boys were burning tyres in lots of places on a five kilometre stretch of road on the outskirts of Kano. I saw some residents running away," said Reuters photographer Radu Sigheti.

Police in riot gear moved in to the area, arrested several protesters and beat them with batons.

AlertNet news is provided by