According to report from the BBC, several people are dead in northeast Nigeria after Boko Haram militants raided a mostly Christian village and burnt down a church on Christmas Eve.

The report indicated that at least 11 people are said to have died, when fighters rode into Pemi, in Borno state, on trucks and motorbikes shooting indiscriminately.

Pemi is reportedly close to Chibok where 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped in 2014. Villagers are said to fled into the bush and some are still reported missing.

The Nigerian security officials have warned of possible attacks during the holiday period, advising people to be cautious.

The attackers also burnt a church, abducted a priest and stole medical supplies from a hospital, before setting it on fire.

In bid to protect themselves, communities in northern Nigeria have resorted to armed vigilantes and militia groups that work alongside the army.

In December, the group claimed responsibility for the abduction of more than 300 schoolboys in Katsina state, although the Nigerian authorities said it was local gangs connected to the Islamist group.

Last month, Boko Haram fighters also said they killed dozens of farm workers.

By: Sarjo D Bojang