Suspected Boko Haram militants have abducted nearly 30 women and children from Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, according to villagers quoted by news agencies.

The insurgents reportedly gunned down some two dozen people in the raid said to have taken place over the weekend but reported for the first time today.

“Locals from the Sabongari town who reached safety said the massacre and mass abduction was part of collective punishment against members of a community that is opposed to the rogue group,” one report said.

It added that residents run into the mountainous bush to escape being killed by the terrorists.

•Photo shows scene of a Boko Haram attack.