KANO - At least 60 people were killed and several others injured on Sunday by suspected members of Islamist extremist sect Boko Haram in northern Nigeria, officials said.

Insurgents attacked the towns of Anchaka and Bama in Borno state, according to Bama council chair Alhaji Baba Shehu.

"The attackers invaded the communities early in the morning on motorbikes while residents were still asleep. They set ablaze houses and shot residents who tried to escape from the fire," said Shehu. "About 60 persons were killed, with several others were injured," the council chair added.

Earlier this week, more than 100 people had been killed during attacks on Borno state capital Maiduguri.

Borno is one of three northern states that Nigeria&39;s government placed under a state of emergency in May to curb violent attacks by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram, which means "Western education is sinful," has been active in the Muslim north of the West African country, carrying out attacks against government institutions and civilians. Since 2009, more than 6,000 people have been killed in the violence.