Gunmen fired on worshippers at a church service late Monday in southern Nigeria, killing at least 19 people and wounding several others.

Nigerian officials say an unknown number of gunmen stormed the Deeper Life church in Okene, in Kogi state.

Authorities are searching for the attackers, but have made no arrests. There has been no claim of responsibility.

Islamic militant group Boko Haram has attacked several churches in northern and central Nigeria during the past year, but Okene is further south than the group's usual targets.

Boko Haram did claim responsibility for a February prison break that freed 119 prisoners in Kogi.

The militant group says it is fighting to create an Islamic state in northern Nigeria and does not recognize the Nigerian government or the constitution.