Suspected Boko Haram militants have reportedly kidnapped 20 women from a nomadic settlement in north-east Nigeria.

The incident happened near the town of Chibok, close to where hundreds of schoolgirls were abducted in April. Eyewitnesses say the women were forced into vehicles at gunpoint.

The incident in April galvanised an international social media campaign of #BringBackOurGirls - which has seen politicians and celebrities taking part.

It was reported late last month that four of the kidnapped girls being held by Boko Haram militants had escaped. It leaves 219 still missing, according to official figures.

The Nigerian military has previously said that they know where the girls kidnapped by Boko Haram are - but they will not attempt a rescue.

Our prayers are with the missing Nigerian girls and their families. It's time to #BringBackOurGirls. -mo pic.twitter.com/glDKDotJRt

— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) May 7, 2014

It has been reported that a previous deal to exchange 50 girls for 100 Boko Haram prisoners fell through.

The Nigerian government is under pressure to do more to tackle the group and bring about the girls' release.

The Nigerian President last month cancelled a planned visit to the village from which the girls were kidnapped due to security fears.

Boko Haram's leader has threatened to sell the girls into slavery unless the government freed rebels being held - the President said he would not do so.

Nigeria has accepted international help in the search following international outrage at the kidnappings.

The US has started flying aircraft over the area where it is suspected the girls are being held. The girls believed to be being held in the vast Sambisa forest which begins 20 miles from Chibok.

Mr. Jonathan and his government have been widely criticised for their slow response to the kidnapping on April 14th.