Gunmen on dozens of motorbikes attacked at least four remote villages in Kanam area on Sunday, shooting people dead including children and young men.

A traditional ruler in the area told the BBC that 135 villagers were among the dead. He said 16 members of a self-help vigilante group were also killed.

Police and the local officials confirmed the deadly attack but did not specify the casualty figures.

The attackers stole livestock and burnt down dozens of homes. Hundreds of people have been displaced and some are missing after the attack.

Residents are complaining that security forces took nearly 24 hours to arrive after the raid. They say this is the worst violence they've ever known in in that area.

Nigeria is grappling with a wave of violence by armed gangs who frequently carry out killings and kidnappings for ransom – mostly in unprotected rural communities.