Open Doors South Africa has issued an urgent appeal for prayer after receiving news that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the predominantly Christian village of Zangan in southern Kaduna around midnight on Monday.

The appeal was issued via the organisation's Facebook page.

Local sources report fatalities and Open Doors says it understands "the entire village has been destroyed".

The village chief's residence was reportedly burnt to the ground and the village chief's whereabouts remain unknown after he fled Zangan.

Churches and homes were among the buildings destroyed in the attack.

Open Doors South Africa said in this update: "Zangan villagers are fleeing in large numbers for fear of escalating violence.

"Local sources have told us that Boko Haram had vowed earlier to destroy the predominantly Christian communities located in southern Kaduna.

"We do not have any more details at this stage, but understand that this area saw a similar attack about four weeks ago.

"Open Doors would like to urge you to please pray for the people of southern Kaduna state and Zangan village in particular."