As many as 50 killed in new attack by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria

More than 25 people have been killed in a new attack in Nigeria by the militant Islamist group Boko Haram.

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Officials say the victims, mostly fishermen, were shot dead in a small community in the northeast Borno state.

Some reports say the death toll is closer to 50.

The massacre comes after another Boko Haram attack on Wednesday in the same state claimed the lives of 45 people.

It is reported this was in reprisal for the killing of four members of the group by local people.

The government is struggling to tackle the threat from Boko Haram, which has also been responsible for the mass kidnappings of schoolgirls.

It appears the group wants to set up an Islamic state, forcing many residents to flee towns and villages coming under attack.