Bauchi, Nigeria (AP) — Residents of a Nigerian town faulted security forces for responding slowly to the presence of Boko Haram fighters who later attacked, killing many people.

At least 50 bodies have been recovered from the debris of burned shops after the town's main market was attacked Monday by the Islamic militants.

Gamboru resident Abuwar Masta said the bodies were found after the market reopened on Wednesday. Health workers, volunteers and traders searched for missing people. He said most of the bodies were burned beyond recognition.

Masta and other traders said the attack could have been averted if security forces had responded quickly to an alarm raised by villagers who said they had seen insurgents camping in the bushes near Gamboru.

Boko Haram last month kidnapped more than 300 girls from a school.