More than 60 people have lost their lives after suspected Boko Haram militants opened fire at a funeral procession in Borno state, Nigeria.

Gunmen arrived on motorcycles and in vans at the village near the state capital, Maiduguri, during weekend eyewitnesses said.

A number of mourners were reportedly killed at spot while others died trying to chase off the attackers.

President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack, and ordered the air force and army to hunt down those who carried it out.

Local government official Muhammed Bulama expressed an opinion the latest attack was a revenge for the killing of 11 Boko Haram fighters by the villagers two weeks ago.

“The EU stands united with the Nigerian government and people in the fight against terrorism. Together, we are determined to keep promoting and supporting cooperation among neighboring countries and communities to eradicate terrorism in all its forms. The EU’s recent participation at the 2nd Governors Forum held in Niamey on 17-18 July visible confirms this engagement” says the text of the statement attributed to European External Action Service (EEAS) spokesperson. “The EU has been present in the region and is delivering assistance to the population in need since the beginning of the Boko Haram insurgency.”