SUSPECTED Islamist militants launched a murderous attack on a remote village in north-east Nigeria yesterday torching houses near where more than 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped two months ago.

The attackers raided the village of Koronginim in a convoy, according to a witness, who said they shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) before opening fire and killing "many".

"Two of their leaders were giving orders that they should shoot anyone on sight," the witness said.

It was reported there were at least four seriously wounded people.