Scores feared dead as Boko Haram strikes northern Nigeria

Suspected Islamist militants have killed more than 100 Christian villagers in an attack in northeastern Nigeria.

Witnesses say the suspected militants, dressed as soldiers, attacked the village of Izghe in Borno state late Saturday night.

Hundreds of residents were forced to flee the area as attackers looted local businesses and set fire to homes before leaving in stolen vehicles.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but authorities suspect the Islamist militant group Boko Haram was behind the attack. 

Last week, the group killed 39 villagers in a similar attack on another town in Borno state.

Efforts by the Nigerian military to stamp out the group have not stopped the violence.

Boko Haram has been fighting to impose Islamist Sharia law on a country split roughly equally between Christians and Muslims.

Source: THE TIMES OF EARTH, VOA and agencies