The region's governor, Midjiyawa Bakari, said on Monday that two attackers targeted the market in Bodo, while two others detonated explosives in town.

"The initial toll reported 32 dead and 86 wounded," said regional governor Midjiyawa Bakari.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attack, but Boko Haram is suspected to be behind the fatal explosions.

Increase in Islamist attacks

The Islamist militant group has stepped up attacks outside Nigeria over the past year, including in Cameroon, Chad and Niger, threatening regional security.

Some 12 people were killed and at least one person was seriously injured earlier in January following an attack on a mosque in the town of Kouyape, while at the end of December two female suicide bombers targeted the entrance to Bodo.

During its six-year insurgency, Boko Haram has killed thousands of people and driven more than 2 million people from their homes.

Cameroon is one of a number of African nations joining Nigeria's fight against Boko Haram. It has carried out a number of raids against the Islamist group in its border region with Nigeria. The US has also sent troops to supply intelligence and other assistance.

ksb/tj (Reuters, AFP)