At least 30 persons were killed when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked passengers in Auno, a town 20 kilometres from Maiduguri, Borno state capital.
It was gathered that the passengers were en route to Maiduguri and were attacked around 10pm on Sunday.
They had stopped over at Auno as a result of the blockade of the road into the state capital, according to sources familiar with the incident.
Witnesses said jihadists set alight 30 vehicles in the raid, including trucks that had stopped overnight on their way to Maiduguri.
“Many of the drivers and their assistants who were sleeping the vehicles were burnt alive,” civilian militia fighter, Babakura Kolo told AFP.
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The jihadists combed through the village, looting and burning shops and property before withdrawing, he said.
Auno lies on the 120-kilometre highway linking Maiduguri to Damaturu, a major regional city in neighbouring Yobe state.
They were also said to have abducted many persons, including women and children.
A resident, Shehu Tanko told CNN the bodies of a pregnant woman and her baby were among those recovered from the carnage.
“They burn everywhere. The fire was still on till this morning. We are still looking for many people around here,” Tanko said.
News of the attack was released after Borno State governor visited the area Monday afternoon.
