At least 135 civilians were killed in a terrorist attack on villages in Pleateu, northern Nigeria, BBC Hausa reported on Monday.
The deadly terrorists raided at least four villages in Kanam Local Government Area and opened fire on residents and villagers, according to a local media report.
The attackers were said to have arrived on motorcycles, burning dozens of homes and stealing cattle belonging to the people of the villages.
It is expected that the death toll will grow.
According to the BBC, 135 villagers were killed; however, a Plateau government spokeswoman acknowledged that 142 people were killed, with additional bodies still expected.
The bodies of 54 people had already been discovered in Kukawa village and 34 in Gyambau village, according to the traditional ruler in the area who communicated with the BBC.
In two communities, he said, 31 people had been killed.
In Shuwaka village, at least 16 gunmen were murdered.
Children and teenagers were among those killed, according to reports.
As a result of the attack, dozens of people have gone missing, and hundreds of people have been separated from their homes.
Security troops have been increased in the area, according to authorities.
Ethnic and religious violence have always been a problem in Plateau State, but bandits and kidnappers have recently worsened the situation.