Boko Haram jihadists killed five people, wounded five others, and kidnapped nine -- including six women -- in attacks on two villages in western Chad, an official source told AFP Thursday.

"Five people were killed and five wounded" in the first assault, on the village of Bouboura, while the kidnappings took place in a second attack on the village of Ngasia, Soiapebe said.

Chadian troops were searching for the attackers and their hostages, he added.

The following night, seven cowherds and more than 200 head of cattle were seized in the same area by people suspected of belonging to Boko Haram. One cowherd managed to escape, the general secretary said.

Boko Haram is active mainly in Nigeria, but the group periodically stages raids in neighbouring countries such as Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

It is blamed for the deaths of at least 20,000 people, mostly in Nigeria. Troops from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria have been grouped into a mixed, multi-national force to fight the jihadist group.

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