Boko Haram gunmen struck a recently resettled village in Nigeria’s Borno State late Friday. Residents of Darul Jamal, a community in Bama Local Government Area, say militants stormed the settlement at night and left scores dead.

Survivor Mohammed Babagana told The Associated Press that “at least 60 people” were killed.

Governor Babagana Zulum, who toured the devastated village Saturday, confirmed the toll exceeded 60 and pledged government support.

“We sympathise with the people and have pleaded with them not to abandon their homes as we have made arrangements to improve the security and provide food and other lifesaving items that they have lost,” Zulum said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's military said it has stepped up operations in Borno State in recent months to try to contain militias and fighters from Boko Haram and its splinter group, the ISIL(ISIS) affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The area is believed to be under the control of a Boko Haram commander named Ali Ngulde, according to AFP, which quoted a security source as saying he led the attack.

Resident Babagana Mala, who fled with soldiers to Bama town, 46km (29 miles) away, said the military had been warned for three days about Boko Haram gathering near the village, but no reinforcements were sent.