Reports from Nigeria’s Niger state say at least 18 people were killed on Monday after gunmen on motorbikes attacked a mosque in Maza-Kuka community.

Many other worshippers were injured.

Villagers said a large group of attackers stormed the mosque and opened fire as the victims were holding early morning prayers.

Local police said one of the attackers was killed by security forces.

This incident is just the latest in Niger state which has witnessed a rise in violence.

On May 30 armed bandits abducted 136 students at an lslamic school in Tegina town.

In February, hundreds of school children were abducted in the state.