A curfew is being enforced by security forces in the town of Mubi in northeastern Nigeria after gunmen killed at least 26 people, mostly students, at a student hall of residence there, the BBC reported.

Police said the attackers shot and stabbed their victims, calling out their names. It is unclear who is responsible for Monday night's attack, which occurred days after dozens with suspected links to the Boko Haram Islamist militant group were arrested in Mubi.

A recent student union election dispute could have triggered the violence at Federal Polytechnic Mubi, it is not ruled out. Police said the gunmen were insiders but underlined that the motive for the killing was not clear yet.

Police said there were Muslims and Christians among the victims. Two security guards and an elderly resident were also killed.

Boko Haram has not yet commented.