The death toll varies between six and 19.

According to witnesses, militants ransacked a village in Mailari for over two hours, killing many and looting the village.

Militia leader Babakura Kolo told the AFP news agency that at least six men were slaughtered by the militants.

"In the confusion, the Boko Haram gunmen seized six men and slaughtered them," Babakura Kolo said.

"The bodies of the six victims were found this morning (Sunday) when residents returned to the burned village."

However, several witnesses were quoted as saying that at least 19 people were killed by the Boko Haram.

Image: Representational Image. Screengrab from YouTube