US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Monday on Nigeria to find and punish those responsible for the killings of more than 500 Christians in a wave of sectarian slaughter.

"We continue to urge all parties to exercise restraint," Clinton told reporters, adding the Nigerian government "should make sure the perpetrators are brought to justice."

Clinton addressed reporters during a press conference with Gabon President Ali Bongo after more than 500 people were reported killed in three Christian villages in the north of the country.

"The Nigerian government should ensure that the perpetrators of acts of violence are brought to justice under the rule of law and that human rights are respected as order is restored," the chief US diplomat said.