JUST IN: Boko Haram kills 18 villagers in Borno

Crime Diary

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — At least 18 villagers have reportedly been killed in an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents while collecting firewood in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, local leaders and security sources said.

According to a Reuters report, the attack occurred on Thursday in Marte, one of the areas worst affected by the 17-year insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.

The report said other villagers remained missing after the attack, while the traditional ruler of Marte said 18 bodies had been recovered following an ambush on the villagers.

Advertisement

Armed groups operating in the region have carried out repeated attacks, kidnappings and raids, killing tens of thousands of people and displacing millions over the years.

Villagers have frequently come under attack when venturing into remote areas for farming, firewood and other essential activities, with some areas exposed to the presence of insurgent groups.

Security sources said troops of the Nigerian Army had launched clearance operations in the area and were pursuing the attackers.

The operation is aimed at securing the affected communities, locating missing villagers and apprehending those responsible for the attack.