For more than 10 years, Abubakar Shekau was the face of terrorism in Nigeria. Terrorists from Islamic State West African Province now claim Shekau killed himself. Does this mean an end to Jihadism in West Africa?

Gravitas: Leader of Boko Haram "kills himself"

Abubakar Shekau, the head of the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram, had killed himself, rival Islamist militants said in an audiotape.

According to recordings received by news agencies from Boko Haram on Sunday, the group's leader Abubakar Shekau killed himself in a confrontation against rival jihadist fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), two weeks after reports emerged that he had died. 
 
Watch:

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"Shekau preferred to be humiliated in the hereafter to getting humiliated on earth. He killed himself instantly by detonating an explosive," a voice speaking in the Kanuri language resembling that of ISWAP leader Abu Musab Al-Barnawi said.

Boko Haram has yet to issue an official statement regarding the death of their leader, who led a decade-long war in northeast Nigeria. 
 
He has previously been reported killed several times, only to reappear.

Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP militants have become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency.

Shekau made international headlines in 2014 when his men abducted 300 schoolgirls in Chibok. He has been previously been reported dead several times.

After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his fighters were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrenders, one intelligence source said.

Boko Haram carried out bombings, kidnappings, and jail breakouts across the region while Shekau was in power. It began overrunning communities in 2014 in an attempt to establish an Islamic State governed by Sharia law. 
 
More than 30,000 people have been slaughtered and approximately 2 million people have been dislocated since he took over the terrorist group.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Abubakar Shekau, the head of the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram, had killed himself, rival Islamist militants said in an audiotape. According to recordings received by news agencies from Boko Haram on Sunday, the group's leader Abubakar Shekau killed himself in a confrontation against rival jihadist fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), two weeks after reports emerged that he had died.

Abubakar Shekau, the head of the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram, had killed himself, rival Islamist militants said in an audiotape. According to recordings received by news agencies from Boko Haram on Sunday, the group's leader Abubakar Shekau killed himself in a confrontation against rival jihadist fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), two weeks after reports emerged that he had died. Watch: "Shekau preferred to be humiliated in the hereafter to getting humiliated on earth. He killed himself instantly by detonating an explosive," a voice speaking in the Kanuri language resembling that of ISWAP leader Abu Musab Al-Barnawi said. Boko Haram has yet to issue an official statement regarding the death of their leader, who led a decade-long war in northeast Nigeria. He has previously been reported killed several times, only to reappear. Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP militants have become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency. Shekau made international headlines in 2014 when his men abducted 300 schoolgirls in Chibok. He has been previously been reported dead several times. After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his fighters were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrenders, one intelligence source said. Boko Haram carried out bombings, kidnappings, and jail breakouts across the region while Shekau was in power. It began overrunning communities in 2014 in an attempt to establish an Islamic State governed by Sharia law. More than 30,000 people have been slaughtered and approximately 2 million people have been dislocated since he took over the terrorist group. (With inputs from agencies)

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau killed himself, says Islamic State West African Province

Nigerian militant Islamist group c killed himself in a fight against rival jihadist fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

News Alert: Nigeria's Boko Haram leader is dead, say rival militants

Nigerian militant Islamist group Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau killed himself in a fight against rival jihadist fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Reports of Abubakar's death had emerged two weeks ago and now the ISWAP has confirmed it.

Nigeria’s Boko Haram leader 'killed self,' says rival militant group ISWAP

One person was killed and some others injured when unknown gunmen&nbsp;abducted about 150 children of an Islamic school in Nigeria's Niger state.

The Salihu Tanko Islamic School is located at Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of the north-central Nigerian state of Niger. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

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According to sources, the kidnapping was carried out at 4:30 pm (local time) on Sunday. 
 
The state police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said the armed bandits came in motorcycles and were firing 'indiscriminately'.

Security teams have been mobilised to rescue the schoolkids and the police will "ensure the children are rescued unhurt", he said.

Armed bandit groups have been behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom raids on colleges and educational institutions in northern Nigeria in recent months, abducting over 700 young people since December.&nbsp; 
 
Watch:&nbsp;Nigeria's growing kidnapping industry, which killed hundreds&nbsp;

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According to human rights groups, Nigerian security authorities have failed to create a strategy to protect its school children and college students and their access to study even after the seven years of the most infamous 'Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping', when the 279 girls from a government school in northern Nigeria were abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kidnappers-release-all-279-nigerian-students-after-talks-with-government-367318">Also read: Kidnappers release all 279 Nigerian students after talks with the government</a>

On April 14, 2014, the militant group Boko Haram kidnapped the 279 schoolgirls in Chibok, a town in Borno state. Most of them were able to flee or were eventually released.

In recent years in Nigeria, criminal bandit groups seeking a huge amount of ransom have increased their assault and mass abductions, frequently targeting boarding schools outside of towns and cities.

One person was killed and some others injured when unknown gunmen abducted about 150 children of an Islamic school in Nigeria's Niger state. The Salihu Tanko Islamic School is located at Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of the north-central Nigerian state of Niger.

One person was killed and some others injured when unknown gunmen abducted about 150 children of an Islamic school in Nigeria's Niger state. The Salihu Tanko Islamic School is located at Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of the north-central Nigerian state of Niger. Watch: According to sources, the kidnapping was carried out at 4:30 pm (local time) on Sunday. The state police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said the armed bandits came in motorcycles and were firing 'indiscriminately'. Security teams have been mobilised to rescue the schoolkids and the police will "ensure the children are rescued unhurt", he said. Armed bandit groups have been behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom raids on colleges and educational institutions in northern Nigeria in recent months, abducting over 700 young people since December. Watch: Nigeria's growing kidnapping industry, which killed hundreds According to human rights groups, Nigerian security authorities have failed to create a strategy to protect its school children and college students and their access to study even after the seven years of the most infamous 'Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping', when the 279 girls from a government school in northern Nigeria were abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists. Also read: Kidnappers release all 279 Nigerian students after talks with the government On April 14, 2014, the militant group Boko Haram kidnapped the 279 schoolgirls in Chibok, a town in Borno state. Most of them were able to flee or were eventually released. In recent years in Nigeria, criminal bandit groups seeking a huge amount of ransom have increased their assault and mass abductions, frequently targeting boarding schools outside of towns and cities.

150 children kidnapped after Islamic school ambushed by armed bandits in Nigeria

Nigeria's&nbsp;top-ranking&nbsp;army&nbsp;commander&nbsp;Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;on Friday when their plane crashed in bad weather in the country's north, officials said.

Chief of&nbsp;Army&nbsp;Staff Attahiru was only appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January as part of a shakeup of the&nbsp;top&nbsp;military command to better fight surging violence and a more than decade-long jihadist insurgency.

Attahiru died as news also emerged that&nbsp;Nigeria's Boko Haram jihadist leader Abubakar Shekau had himself been seriously wounded or possibly&nbsp;killed&nbsp;after clashes with a rival Islamic State-allied faction.

President Buhari, a former general first elected in 2015, has been under increasing pressure from allies and critics alike over his government's handling of mounting security problems in Africa's most populous country.

In a statement, Buhari said the&nbsp;crash&nbsp;"was one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our armed forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eleven-soldiers-killed-in-attack-in-nigeria-376443">Eleven soldiers killed in attack in Nigeria</a>

The&nbsp;army&nbsp;spokesman said on Twitter that ten other officers including the plane's crew also died in the&nbsp;crash&nbsp;in northern Kaduna state.

The incident occurred as the plane was landing at the Kaduna International Airport "due to inclement weather," the armed forces said in a statement.

Jihadist rivalries

Nigeria's military has been battling an Islamist insurgency in the northeast since 2009, a conflict that has&nbsp;killed&nbsp;more than 40,000 and displaced around two million more.

Attahiru had once been in charge of leading the frontline offensive against Boko Haram's&nbsp;commander&nbsp;Shekau in the northeast in 2017.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-police-arrest-protesters-at-symbolic-lagos-tollgate-363412">Nigeria police arrest protesters at symbolic Lagos tollgate</a>

Local intelligence sources said Shekau had been seriously wounded this week when IS-allied rival jihadists attacked his stronghold in the Sambisa forest in the northeastern state of Borno.

Sources said Shekau was wounded when he shot himself to try to evade capture after militants from the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) surrounded him following a series of battles between the rival groups.

Nigeria&nbsp;news outlets have been filled with unconfirmed reports about the death of the man who made international headlines in 2014 when his fighters kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls from the remote town of Chibok.

One intelligence source said on Friday Shekau had already died from his wounds in Nainawa village on Thursday, though that was not confirmed by authorities.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-faces-chinas-ecological-financial-drain-361503">Nigeria faces China's ecological, financial drain</a>

"He was buried in the night in an unmarked grave to avoid exhumation by either the Nigerian military or rival jihadists," the local intelligence source said.

The Boko Haram leader has been reported&nbsp;killed&nbsp;several times since the conflict began, only to reappear later.

Nigeria's&nbsp;army&nbsp;has said it was still investigating the reports and neither ISWAP or Boko Haram have issued any statements about the Sambisa attack or Shekau's whereabouts.

But analysts said his loss would be a huge blow to his Boko Haram faction and potentially allow ISWAP to consolidate its territorial control in&nbsp;Nigeria's northeast.

ISWAP has emerged as the dominant force in&nbsp;Nigeria's conflict, showing a sustained ability to carry out complex attacks on the military and recently overrunning several&nbsp;army&nbsp;bases.

Nigeria's top-ranking army commander Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers were killed on Friday when their plane crashed in bad weather in the country's north, officials said.

Nigeria's top-ranking army commander Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers were killed on Friday when their plane crashed in bad weather in the country's north, officials said. Chief of Army Staff Attahiru was only appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January as part of a shakeup of the top military command to better fight surging violence and a more than decade-long jihadist insurgency. Attahiru died as news also emerged that Nigeria's Boko Haram jihadist leader Abubakar Shekau had himself been seriously wounded or possibly killed after clashes with a rival Islamic State-allied faction. President Buhari, a former general first elected in 2015, has been under increasing pressure from allies and critics alike over his government's handling of mounting security problems in Africa's most populous country. In a statement, Buhari said the crash "was one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our armed forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country". Also Read | Eleven soldiers killed in attack in Nigeria The army spokesman said on Twitter that ten other officers including the plane's crew also died in the crash in northern Kaduna state. The incident occurred as the plane was landing at the Kaduna International Airport "due to inclement weather," the armed forces said in a statement. Jihadist rivalries Nigeria's military has been battling an Islamist insurgency in the northeast since 2009, a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 and displaced around two million more. Attahiru had once been in charge of leading the frontline offensive against Boko Haram's commander Shekau in the northeast in 2017. Also Read | Nigeria police arrest protesters at symbolic Lagos tollgate Local intelligence sources said Shekau had been seriously wounded this week when IS-allied rival jihadists attacked his stronghold in the Sambisa forest in the northeastern state of Borno. Sources said Shekau was wounded when he shot himself to try to evade capture after militants from the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) surrounded him following a series of battles between the rival groups. Nigeria news outlets have been filled with unconfirmed reports about the death of the man who made international headlines in 2014 when his fighters kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls from the remote town of Chibok. One intelligence source said on Friday Shekau had already died from his wounds in Nainawa village on Thursday, though that was not confirmed by authorities. Also Read | Nigeria faces China's ecological, financial drain "He was buried in the night in an unmarked grave to avoid exhumation by either the Nigerian military or rival jihadists," the local intelligence source said. The Boko Haram leader has been reported killed several times since the conflict began, only to reappear later. Nigeria's army has said it was still investigating the reports and neither ISWAP or Boko Haram have issued any statements about the Sambisa attack or Shekau's whereabouts. But analysts said his loss would be a huge blow to his Boko Haram faction and potentially allow ISWAP to consolidate its territorial control in Nigeria's northeast. ISWAP has emerged as the dominant force in Nigeria's conflict, showing a sustained ability to carry out complex attacks on the military and recently overrunning several army bases.

Nigeria's top army commander killed in air crash

Nigerian Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously injured as he tried to kill himself to avoid getting caught, said AP quoting two intelligence sources. Shekau was avoiding capture during clashes with rival Islamic State jihadists in northern parts of Nigeria.

Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP militants have become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency.

Shekau made international headlines in 2014 when his men abducted 300 schoolgirls in Chibok. He has been previously been reported dead several times.

After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his fighters were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrender, one intelligence source said.

"To avoid capture, Shekau shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder," the source said, adding: "He was badly injured."

Some of his men managed to escape with him to an unknown destination, the source added.

A second intelligence source said Shekau was critically wounded after detonating explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men.

"We are investigating," Nigeria's army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told AFP by text, asked about those reports.&nbsp;

Shekau's critical injury or death would be a blow to his Boko Haram faction which has already been weakened by military air strikes on its bases and defections among his men.

More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have fought battles for control of territory in the past.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously injured as he tried to kill himself to avoid getting caught, said AP quoting two intelligence sources.

Nigerian Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously injured as he tried to kill himself to avoid getting caught, said AP quoting two intelligence sources. Shekau was avoiding capture during clashes with rival Islamic State jihadists in northern parts of Nigeria. Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP militants have become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency. Shekau made international headlines in 2014 when his men abducted 300 schoolgirls in Chibok. He has been previously been reported dead several times. After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his fighters were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrender, one intelligence source said. "To avoid capture, Shekau shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder," the source said, adding: "He was badly injured." Some of his men managed to escape with him to an unknown destination, the source added. A second intelligence source said Shekau was critically wounded after detonating explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men. "We are investigating," Nigeria's army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told AFP by text, asked about those reports. Shekau's critical injury or death would be a blow to his Boko Haram faction which has already been weakened by military air strikes on its bases and defections among his men. More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger. Boko Haram and ISWAP have fought battles for control of territory in the past. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian Boko Haram leader seriously wounded in clash with Islamic State: Report

A distraught woman knelt at the feet of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday to plead for help with her family in Africa.

Morrison had just finished a news conference in the Queensland city of Rockhampton when the woman approached the prime minister.

Morrison crouched down next to the woman, holding her hands, as she explained she was from Cameroon.

"There's a genocide going there. I've lost half of all my family. I've got no family left if you don't help me. Everybody will die. Help me, help me, help me," the woman said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-cameroonian-womans-plea-of-help-goes-viral-382824">Watch |</a>

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Morrison told the woman that Queensland Liberal Senator Michelle Landry would take up her case with Immigration Minister Alex Hawke before the pair helped the woman back to her feet.

Cameroon is known as 'miniature Africa' due to&nbsp;its multiculturalism. It has a population of&nbsp;26 million and the people living in the country speak 24 languages.

This Western African country is caught in multiple conflicts. In the far north, attacks by Boko Haram have become a daily affair.&nbsp;

People are being killed and kidnapped and their property and lives are being destroyed.

In the southwest, there is an anglophone crisis. English-speaking Cameroonians make for 20 per cent&nbsp;of the country's population.&nbsp;Many of them feel marginalised and their demand for federalism has turned violent. Civilians in the region have been&nbsp;caught in the crossfire between the Cameroonian armed forces and the separatists.

Cameroonian forces have been accused of extrajudicial killings and unlawful detention.

In January 2020, security forces destroyed 50 homes in north-western Bali. Several people were killed including the specially abled.

21 civilians were massacred in a separatist area in Ngarbuh last year. As a result, the United Nations called on Cameroonian government to respect international laws.

Paul Biya, 88, is&nbsp;Cameron's president and has been&nbsp;in office for nearly four decades.

In 2018, when Cameroonian soldiers were caught on camera killing two women and two children, Biya's government&nbsp;dismissed the video and called it fake. The same soldiers were found guilty of murder two years later in a trail.

Paul Biya barely makes public appearances anymore. He is&nbsp;only&nbsp;interested in&nbsp;remaining in office till death and&nbsp;handing over this throne to his son.

A distraught woman knelt at the feet of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday to plead for help with her family in Africa. Morrison had just finished a news conference in the Queensland city of Rockhampton when the woman approached the prime minister.

A distraught woman knelt at the feet of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday to plead for help with her family in Africa. Morrison had just finished a news conference in the Queensland city of Rockhampton when the woman approached the prime minister. Morrison crouched down next to the woman, holding her hands, as she explained she was from Cameroon. "There's a genocide going there. I've lost half of all my family. I've got no family left if you don't help me. Everybody will die. Help me, help me, help me," the woman said. Watch | Morrison told the woman that Queensland Liberal Senator Michelle Landry would take up her case with Immigration Minister Alex Hawke before the pair helped the woman back to her feet. Cameroon is known as 'miniature Africa' due to its multiculturalism. It has a population of 26 million and the people living in the country speak 24 languages. This Western African country is caught in multiple conflicts. In the far north, attacks by Boko Haram have become a daily affair. People are being killed and kidnapped and their property and lives are being destroyed. In the southwest, there is an anglophone crisis. English-speaking Cameroonians make for 20 per cent of the country's population. Many of them feel marginalised and their demand for federalism has turned violent. Civilians in the region have been caught in the crossfire between the Cameroonian armed forces and the separatists. Cameroonian forces have been accused of extrajudicial killings and unlawful detention. In January 2020, security forces destroyed 50 homes in north-western Bali. Several people were killed including the specially abled. 21 civilians were massacred in a separatist area in Ngarbuh last year. As a result, the United Nations called on Cameroonian government to respect international laws. Paul Biya, 88, is Cameron's president and has been in office for nearly four decades. In 2018, when Cameroonian soldiers were caught on camera killing two women and two children, Biya's government dismissed the video and called it fake. The same soldiers were found guilty of murder two years later in a trail. Paul Biya barely makes public appearances anymore. He is only interested in remaining in office till death and handing over this throne to his son.

Woman drops to feet of Australian PM Morrison, pleads for help

Gravitas Plus | Jihadist terror is on the rise in West Africa. Terror outfits like the Boko Haram are strengthening their base, as the world looks the other way. They could soon pose a threat to Africa's stability. The implications will be global. Here's a wake-up call by Palki Sharma Upadhyay.

Gravitas Plus: Jihadists on the rise in West Africa

The jihadist group Boko Haram killed at least 10 people including four security personnel in raids on three villages in northeast Nigeria, local and security sources told AFP on Sunday.

Fighters in six trucks attacked the villages of Shafa, Azare and Tashan Alade in Borno state on Saturday and set fire to homes and public buildings while firing sporadically at residents.

"They killed 10 people and burt homes, shops and churches", said Sani Mohammed, head of an anti-jihadist militia.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-citizens-vote-in-a-historic-election-352785">Niger citizens vote in a historic election</a>

The assailants went from village to village. In Azare, they "burnt a police station and killed two policemen, a member of the civil defence and a vigilante," another militiaman Bulus James said.

The attack forced residents to flee into the bush amid shooting from the militants.

"We recovered five dead bodies with gunshots on them from the bush along with six women with gunshot injuries," James said.&nbsp;

"They were all hit while trying to escape," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/another-new-coronavirus-variant-found-in-nigeria-says-africa-cdc-352228/amp">WATCH|</a>

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In Tashan Alade, residents fled into the hills overlooking the village before the assailants arrived, resident Luka Musa said.&nbsp;

"When they came they went on a burning spree, burning three churches, three houses and a drug store," Musa said.&nbsp;

Boko Haram has stepped up attacks in recent days.&nbsp;

In a video it released on Saturday the group claimed responsibility for a Christmas Eve attack on a village in which 11 people died as well as the kidnap of a priest who appeared in the video.

On Thursday dozens of loggers were kidnapped and three killed near the border with Cameroon.

Boko Haram and a splinter group known as ISWAP have killed 36,000 people in the northeast and forced roughly two million to flee since 2009, according to the United Nations.

abu/har

The jihadist group Boko Haram killed at least 10 people including four security personnel in raids on three villages in northeast Nigeria, local and security sources told AFP on Sunday.

The jihadist group Boko Haram killed at least 10 people including four security personnel in raids on three villages in northeast Nigeria, local and security sources told AFP on Sunday. Fighters in six trucks attacked the villages of Shafa, Azare and Tashan Alade in Borno state on Saturday and set fire to homes and public buildings while firing sporadically at residents. "They killed 10 people and burt homes, shops and churches", said Sani Mohammed, head of an anti-jihadist militia. Also read| Niger citizens vote in a historic election The assailants went from village to village. In Azare, they "burnt a police station and killed two policemen, a member of the civil defence and a vigilante," another militiaman Bulus James said. The attack forced residents to flee into the bush amid shooting from the militants. "We recovered five dead bodies with gunshots on them from the bush along with six women with gunshot injuries," James said. "They were all hit while trying to escape," he added. WATCH| × In Tashan Alade, residents fled into the hills overlooking the village before the assailants arrived, resident Luka Musa said. "When they came they went on a burning spree, burning three churches, three houses and a drug store," Musa said. Boko Haram has stepped up attacks in recent days. In a video it released on Saturday the group claimed responsibility for a Christmas Eve attack on a village in which 11 people died as well as the kidnap of a priest who appeared in the video. On Thursday dozens of loggers were kidnapped and three killed near the border with Cameroon. Boko Haram and a splinter group known as ISWAP have killed 36,000 people in the northeast and forced roughly two million to flee since 2009, according to the United Nations. abu/har

At least 10 dead in Boko Haram attack in Nigeria

Boko Haram jihadists have seized around 40 loggers and killed three others in northeast Nigeria near the border with Cameroon, militia sources and residents told AFP on Saturday.

The hostages were rounded up by the insurgents on Thursday in Wulgo forest near the town of Gamboru where they went to collect firewood, the sources said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-kills-seven-in-christmas-eve-attack-352292">Boko Haram kills seven in Christmas Eve attack</a>

The jihadists have increasingly targeted loggers and farmers in the northeast, accusing them of passing information to the military and local militias.

"A group of more than 40 loggers left Shehuri on the outskirts of Gamboru on Thursday and never returned by evening as usual," said militia leader Umar Kachalla, who was involved in the search.

"On Friday we mobilised men and went deep into the forest where we recovered three bodies identified to be among the loggers, without a trace of their colleagues."&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadists-kill-5-soldiers-kidnap-35-civilians-in-nigeria-351214">Jihadists kill 5 soldiers, kidnap 35 civilians in Nigeria</a>

The missing loggers were presumed kidnapped by the jihadists, who are known to maintain camps in the forest, said Kachalla, a view widely shared by other residents.

"We believe the men were taken by Boko Haram who have been attacking loggers in the forest," said another militia Shehu Mada.

"From all indication the three dead loggers were shot when they tried to escape as they all were shot from behind."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-school-kids-who-faced-a-week-of-torture-to-undergo-physical-and-mental-examination-351496">WATCH|</a>

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The area has been without telephone services for years following the destruction of masts in Boko Haram attacks, forcing residents to rely on Cameroon mobile phone networks.&nbsp;

Gamboru loggers have suffered repeated Boko Haram attacks and abductions especially around Wulgo forest which was a known Boko Haram hideout.

In November 2018, Boko Haram seized around 50 loggers on their way to collect firewood in the forest, after killing 49 loggers in two previous attacks.

Military authorities had warned loggers not to venture deep into the forest to avoid the insurgents, resident Babandi Abdullahi said.

People are compelled to take the risk and move deep into the forest because nearby vegetation has been depleted by constant logging, Abdullahi said.

Boko Haram and a splinter group known as ISWAP have killed 36,000 people in the northeast and forced roughly two million to flee since 2009, according to the United Nations.

Boko Haram jihadists have seized around 40 loggers and killed three others in northeast Nigeria near the border with Cameroon, militia sources and residents told AFP on Saturday.

Boko Haram jihadists have seized around 40 loggers and killed three others in northeast Nigeria near the border with Cameroon, militia sources and residents told AFP on Saturday. The hostages were rounded up by the insurgents on Thursday in Wulgo forest near the town of Gamboru where they went to collect firewood, the sources said. Also read| Boko Haram kills seven in Christmas Eve attack The jihadists have increasingly targeted loggers and farmers in the northeast, accusing them of passing information to the military and local militias. "A group of more than 40 loggers left Shehuri on the outskirts of Gamboru on Thursday and never returned by evening as usual," said militia leader Umar Kachalla, who was involved in the search. "On Friday we mobilised men and went deep into the forest where we recovered three bodies identified to be among the loggers, without a trace of their colleagues." Also read| Jihadists kill 5 soldiers, kidnap 35 civilians in Nigeria The missing loggers were presumed kidnapped by the jihadists, who are known to maintain camps in the forest, said Kachalla, a view widely shared by other residents. "We believe the men were taken by Boko Haram who have been attacking loggers in the forest," said another militia Shehu Mada. "From all indication the three dead loggers were shot when they tried to escape as they all were shot from behind." WATCH| × The area has been without telephone services for years following the destruction of masts in Boko Haram attacks, forcing residents to rely on Cameroon mobile phone networks. Gamboru loggers have suffered repeated Boko Haram attacks and abductions especially around Wulgo forest which was a known Boko Haram hideout. In November 2018, Boko Haram seized around 50 loggers on their way to collect firewood in the forest, after killing 49 loggers in two previous attacks. Military authorities had warned loggers not to venture deep into the forest to avoid the insurgents, resident Babandi Abdullahi said. People are compelled to take the risk and move deep into the forest because nearby vegetation has been depleted by constant logging, Abdullahi said. Boko Haram and a splinter group known as ISWAP have killed 36,000 people in the northeast and forced roughly two million to flee since 2009, according to the United Nations.

Jihadists snatch dozens of loggers in Nigeria, kill three

Boko Haram jihadists killed at least seven people in a Christmas Eve assault on a village in Nigeria's restive northeast, local sources told AFP Friday.

Security agencies had in recent days warned of an increased risk of attack during the Christian holiday.

Fighters in trucks and motorcycles stormed Pemi, a predominantly Christian village in Borno state Thursday, shooting "indiscriminately" and setting buildings on fire,&nbsp;said Abwaku Kabu, a militia leader.&nbsp;

In many parts of Nigeria, communities have resorted for self-defence to armed vigilantes or militias, who work alongside the army.

"The terrorists killed seven people, burnt 10 homes and looted food supplies that were meant to be distributed to residents to celebrate Christmas," Kabu said. &nbsp;

A body was found Friday morning, local community leader Ayuba Alamson said, raising the number of dead to seven.

The toll could rise as villagers fled into the bush during the attack and some people are still unaccounted for.

The assailants, who drove from the group's nearby Sambisa forest enclave, looted medical supplies from a hospital before setting it ablaze, the militia leader said, adding they also burnt a church and abducted a priest.&nbsp;

The village is located only 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Chibok, where Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls six years ago.

Separately Thursday, gunmen attacked another Christian community in Garkida, in neighbouring Adamawa state, looting drug stores and food supplies before torching homes, residents told AFP.&nbsp;

There were no reports of casualties from that attack.

Nigeria's security agency, the Department of State Services, issued a warning Tuesday about planned attacks.

The DSS asked Nigerians "to be extra vigilant and report strange movements", while assuring that it was "collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure that adequate measures are put in place for protection of lives and property."

President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement Thursday "reiterated the promise of his administration to remain unyielding in confronting the Boko Haram insurgency as well as other forms of criminality."

"For me, providing security for all residents in the country remains an article of faith," Buhari said in a written Christmas message.

The 78-year-old urged citizens to volunteer "intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements within their communities in order to put an end to this blight."

The decade-long conflict in Nigeria's northeast has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes, according to the United Nations.

Violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting regional countries to form a military coalition to fight the jihadist groups.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Boko Haram jihadists killed at least seven people in a Christmas Eve assault on a village in Nigeria's restive northeast, local sources told AFP Friday. Security agencies had in recent days warned of an increased risk of attack during the Christian holiday.

Boko Haram jihadists killed at least seven people in a Christmas Eve assault on a village in Nigeria's restive northeast, local sources told AFP Friday. Security agencies had in recent days warned of an increased risk of attack during the Christian holiday. Fighters in trucks and motorcycles stormed Pemi, a predominantly Christian village in Borno state Thursday, shooting "indiscriminately" and setting buildings on fire, said Abwaku Kabu, a militia leader. In many parts of Nigeria, communities have resorted for self-defence to armed vigilantes or militias, who work alongside the army. "The terrorists killed seven people, burnt 10 homes and looted food supplies that were meant to be distributed to residents to celebrate Christmas," Kabu said. A body was found Friday morning, local community leader Ayuba Alamson said, raising the number of dead to seven. The toll could rise as villagers fled into the bush during the attack and some people are still unaccounted for. The assailants, who drove from the group's nearby Sambisa forest enclave, looted medical supplies from a hospital before setting it ablaze, the militia leader said, adding they also burnt a church and abducted a priest. The village is located only 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Chibok, where Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls six years ago. Separately Thursday, gunmen attacked another Christian community in Garkida, in neighbouring Adamawa state, looting drug stores and food supplies before torching homes, residents told AFP. There were no reports of casualties from that attack. Nigeria's security agency, the Department of State Services, issued a warning Tuesday about planned attacks. The DSS asked Nigerians "to be extra vigilant and report strange movements", while assuring that it was "collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure that adequate measures are put in place for protection of lives and property." President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement Thursday "reiterated the promise of his administration to remain unyielding in confronting the Boko Haram insurgency as well as other forms of criminality." "For me, providing security for all residents in the country remains an article of faith," Buhari said in a written Christmas message. The 78-year-old urged citizens to volunteer "intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements within their communities in order to put an end to this blight." The decade-long conflict in Nigeria's northeast has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes, according to the United Nations. Violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting regional countries to form a military coalition to fight the jihadist groups.

Boko Haram kills seven in Christmas Eve attack

In yet another attack on Nigeria, a group of jihadist gunmen attacked a military convoy and killed nearly five soldiers, military sources reported on Sunday.

Terrorism-hit Nigeria saw two different attacks. Almost 35 civilians were kidnapped and one woman was killed in the second attack which took place in the northeast Borno state. A group of armed men attacked a transport envoy on Saturday and kidnapped civilians by faking a checkpoint. "The ISWAP terrorists who were dressed in military uniform stopped the vehicles... Some of the passengers fled into the bush while 35 were taken hostage," a source revealed.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-local-vigilantes-rescue-schoolchildren-in-fresh-incident-of-abduction-351184">&nbsp;Nigeria: Local vigilantes rescue schoolchildren in fresh incident of abduction</a>

The attack on the military convoy was also carried out in the same area on Sunday outside of Mafa, 44 kilometres (27 miles) north of the regional capital Maiduguri. "The terrorists fired an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) on the convoy which hit one of the vehicles with five soldiers in it," AFP quoted a security source.

As of now, the attacks are being assumed to have been conducted by the&nbsp;Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tears-of-joy-as-parents-hug-freed-nigerian-schoolboys-350935">WATCH|</a>

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The attacks have happened a couple of days after the jihadist group, Boko Haram, kidnapped and then released more than 300 schoolboys kidnapped from a boarding school.

Later, on Saturday, a group of gunmen had once again abducted nearly 80 children&nbsp;after they returned to Mahuta village after attending a religious ceremony. The children returned back to their homes after local&nbsp;vigilantes engaged in a gun battle with the kidnappers.

In yet another attack on Nigeria, a group of jihadist gunmen attacked a military convoy and killed nearly five soldiers, military sources reported on Sunday. Terrorism-hit Nigeria saw two different attacks.

In yet another attack on Nigeria, a group of jihadist gunmen attacked a military convoy and killed nearly five soldiers, military sources reported on Sunday. Terrorism-hit Nigeria saw two different attacks. Almost 35 civilians were kidnapped and one woman was killed in the second attack which took place in the northeast Borno state. A group of armed men attacked a transport envoy on Saturday and kidnapped civilians by faking a checkpoint. "The ISWAP terrorists who were dressed in military uniform stopped the vehicles... Some of the passengers fled into the bush while 35 were taken hostage," a source revealed. Also read| Nigeria: Local vigilantes rescue schoolchildren in fresh incident of abduction The attack on the military convoy was also carried out in the same area on Sunday outside of Mafa, 44 kilometres (27 miles) north of the regional capital Maiduguri. "The terrorists fired an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) on the convoy which hit one of the vehicles with five soldiers in it," AFP quoted a security source. As of now, the attacks are being assumed to have been conducted by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). WATCH| × The attacks have happened a couple of days after the jihadist group, Boko Haram, kidnapped and then released more than 300 schoolboys kidnapped from a boarding school. Later, on Saturday, a group of gunmen had once again abducted nearly 80 children after they returned to Mahuta village after attending a religious ceremony. The children returned back to their homes after local vigilantes engaged in a gun battle with the kidnappers.

Jihadists kill 5 soldiers, kidnap 35 civilians in Nigeria

Nigeria has been hit once again and this time a teenage girl who blew herself up in a crowded area in&nbsp;northeast Nigeria's Borno state on Saturday.

The attack took place in the town of Konduga which is nearly&nbsp;38 kilometres (24 miles) from the regional capital Maiduguri.

As of now, the volunteers and local authorities have managed to evacuate three dead bodies and two others who have been critically injured in the suicide bomb attack. "We evacuated three dead bodies and two people who were seriously injured from the scene," said aid worker Abubakar Mohammed.&nbsp;

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The teenager set off the explosives among a group of men who were standing next to the local chief's home, said Ibrahim Liman, an anti-jihadist militia leader who gave the same toll.

Although the infamous Islamist group Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility of the attack, experts believe it bore the hallmark of the jihadist group which is known to use female suicide bombers to attack crowded areas to hurt civilians of the area.

This attack has happened a few days after Boko Haram kidnapped more than 300 schoolboys from Nigeria and kept them in custody for more than two days. The jihadist group also carried out a mass killings in a small town of Niger to warn Christians of more such attacks before Christmas.

The authorities are currently working to evacuate the injured.

This is a developing story.&nbsp;

Nigeria has been hit once again and this time a teenage girl who blew herself up in a crowded area in northeast Nigeria's Borno state on Saturday. The attack took place in the town of Konduga which is nearly 38 kilometres (24 miles) from the regional capital Maiduguri.

Nigeria has been hit once again and this time a teenage girl who blew herself up in a crowded area in northeast Nigeria's Borno state on Saturday. The attack took place in the town of Konduga which is nearly 38 kilometres (24 miles) from the regional capital Maiduguri. As of now, the volunteers and local authorities have managed to evacuate three dead bodies and two others who have been critically injured in the suicide bomb attack. "We evacuated three dead bodies and two people who were seriously injured from the scene," said aid worker Abubakar Mohammed. × The teenager set off the explosives among a group of men who were standing next to the local chief's home, said Ibrahim Liman, an anti-jihadist militia leader who gave the same toll. Although the infamous Islamist group Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility of the attack, experts believe it bore the hallmark of the jihadist group which is known to use female suicide bombers to attack crowded areas to hurt civilians of the area. This attack has happened a few days after Boko Haram kidnapped more than 300 schoolboys from Nigeria and kept them in custody for more than two days. The jihadist group also carried out a mass killings in a small town of Niger to warn Christians of more such attacks before Christmas. The authorities are currently working to evacuate the injured. This is a developing story.

Nigeria: At least three people dead, two injured in suicide bomb attack

On Friday, December 11, more than 300 schoolboys were kidnapped in a raid carried out by Boko Haram insurgents. These&nbsp;kidnappings sparked a nationwide campaign. Today, finally, the&nbsp;344 of the kidnapped students of Nigeria have finally been released by the abductors.&nbsp;

However, as Nigerians celebrate their release there are some concerns that must be addressed such as on what terms has the Muhammadu Buhari administration secured their release?

They say not a single bullet was fired. If so, has the government been forced to pay ransom money to the kidnappers? Another question that pops up is that has&nbsp;the Boko Haram been able to brainwash these students to wage their war against western education?

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The students&nbsp;arrived hoarded on buses, and were bare feet&nbsp;and dressed in dusty clothes with&nbsp;flecks of dried mud on their bodies. They sat in silence as Nigerian government officials,&nbsp;clad in white silk robes, sang praises of the rescue operation.

"So I have a responsibility for all the missing children. So for me, when the news was brought to me, I thank god, because it happened I haven't slept. You can see my eyes, they are red all throughout," said&nbsp;Aminu Bello Masari, Katsina Governor.

These&nbsp;kidnappings sparked a nationwide campaign. Parents of the abductees and&nbsp;Nigerian activists built pressure on the government&nbsp;of Muhammadu Buhari to bring back the boys. Now,&nbsp;exactly a week on, the boys have been released but there's absolute secrecy on the terms of their release.

"Well, we are doing our best. Remember when we closed the border, we found out that still somehow, the terrorists or abductors, still get weapons and ammunition, they still take people hostage they are collecting millions of naira (local currency). We have a lot of work ahead of us," said&nbsp;Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian President.

The boys will now have to undergo a physical and mental examination&nbsp;before being reunited with their families —&nbsp;a very necessary procedure.

In the past, there have been reports of kidnapped children being brainwashed to secretly wage the Boko Haram's war. There were kids, who after their release, were convinced that western education is sinful.

Now, the onus of securing their future is on the Muhammadu Buhari government. It&nbsp;has failed to quell the insurgency since coming to power. Interestingly,&nbsp;Katsina, where the kidnappings took place, is Buhari's home state.

Boko Haram may have released the boys for now but its fight against the westernisation of Nigerian society is far from over. There's no guarantee that it won't carry out similar kidnappings of young students in the future.

What the federal government is doing is not enough. And Mr president has failed us, Mr president shows no sympathy over this matter, Mr president shows no concern over this matter, Mr president doesn't even show humanitarian feeling, he doesn't even have human feeling, the concept of human feeling, the god-fearing, the attitude of showing care and concern over these children," said&nbsp;Jamilu Aliyu Turanci, northwest coordinator of the coalition of northern groups.

On Friday, December 11, more than 300 schoolboys were kidnapped in a raid carried out by Boko Haram insurgents. These kidnappings sparked a nationwide campaign. Today, finally, the 344 of the kidnapped students of Nigeria have finally been released by the abductors.

On Friday, December 11, more than 300 schoolboys were kidnapped in a raid carried out by Boko Haram insurgents. These kidnappings sparked a nationwide campaign. Today, finally, the 344 of the kidnapped students of Nigeria have finally been released by the abductors. However, as Nigerians celebrate their release there are some concerns that must be addressed such as on what terms has the Muhammadu Buhari administration secured their release? They say not a single bullet was fired. If so, has the government been forced to pay ransom money to the kidnappers? Another question that pops up is that has the Boko Haram been able to brainwash these students to wage their war against western education? × The students arrived hoarded on buses, and were bare feet and dressed in dusty clothes with flecks of dried mud on their bodies. They sat in silence as Nigerian government officials, clad in white silk robes, sang praises of the rescue operation. "So I have a responsibility for all the missing children. So for me, when the news was brought to me, I thank god, because it happened I haven't slept. You can see my eyes, they are red all throughout," said Aminu Bello Masari, Katsina Governor. These kidnappings sparked a nationwide campaign. Parents of the abductees and Nigerian activists built pressure on the government of Muhammadu Buhari to bring back the boys. Now, exactly a week on, the boys have been released but there's absolute secrecy on the terms of their release. "Well, we are doing our best. Remember when we closed the border, we found out that still somehow, the terrorists or abductors, still get weapons and ammunition, they still take people hostage they are collecting millions of naira (local currency). We have a lot of work ahead of us," said Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian President. The boys will now have to undergo a physical and mental examination before being reunited with their families — a very necessary procedure. In the past, there have been reports of kidnapped children being brainwashed to secretly wage the Boko Haram's war. There were kids, who after their release, were convinced that western education is sinful. Now, the onus of securing their future is on the Muhammadu Buhari government. It has failed to quell the insurgency since coming to power. Interestingly, Katsina, where the kidnappings took place, is Buhari's home state. Boko Haram may have released the boys for now but its fight against the westernisation of Nigerian society is far from over. There's no guarantee that it won't carry out similar kidnappings of young students in the future. What the federal government is doing is not enough. And Mr president has failed us, Mr president shows no sympathy over this matter, Mr president shows no concern over this matter, Mr president doesn't even show humanitarian feeling, he doesn't even have human feeling, the concept of human feeling, the god-fearing, the attitude of showing care and concern over these children," said Jamilu Aliyu Turanci, northwest coordinator of the coalition of northern groups.

Boko Haram releases kidnapped Nigerian schoolboys, but the danger looms

More than 300 schoolboys kidnapped in northern Nigeria have been rescued, the Katsina state governor has said.

Over 300 kidnapped Nigerian school boys handed to government

A joint rescue operation was launched on Saturday by Nigeria’s police, air force and army, according to the government.

333 students still missing after gunmen attacked school in Nigeria

In 2014, at least 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Nigeria by the Boko Haram. The sheer scale of it sparked international outrage. It led to a global campaign. The world united in saying 'bring back our girls'.

The campaign forced the govt of Muhammadu Buhari to act. Some of the girls were rescued by the Nigerian military. But most of them managed to escape on their own.

It has been six years 112 girls are still missing to this day. Their whereabouts are still unknown and parents still await their return. The campaign has faded into disappointment.

However, another one has begun, 'bring back our boys'. More than 300 schoolboys have been abducted. The Boko Haram has once again claimed responsibility. It's been more than five days and the boys are still missing.

Their parents are campaigning for their return. But unlike the last time, the world couldn't be bothered less.

There have been a few obligatory statements, and that's it.

For more than 300 students to be kidnapped by a jihadist group in broad daylight, The incident deserves the urgent attention of the world as it is important to highlight the fears of the parents.

These parents have shown their anger against the inaction of the Nigerian govt led by Muhammadu Buhari.

Zainab Muhammed, mother of an abducted child said: "If this government is just, as they say they are, we want them to rescue our children because they have the capacity to do so but their actions are slow because it is not their children that are involved in the incident. They put us in this situation where both we the parents and grandparents are in absolute confusion. They've stopped us from having peace of mind. We are totally sad."

Marwa Hamza Kankara, who is a parent of a missing boy said: "A child is not only for one person, over 520 children are missing, they all belong to me as a mother, they belong to everyone. I am not only crying for my child but i am crying for all the children."

Hundreds of students have been missing for five days and all the parents have are reassurances from the Nigerian govt.

The govt of Nigeria has been putting out images of Muhammadu Buhari being briefed by officials. They say the president is fully committed to the rescue of the school students. &nbsp;

And this is despite the fact that the kidnappings have happened in the home-state of the Nigerian president, the state of katsina -- in north-west Nigeria.

It had always been plagued by violent bandits. And now the Boko Haram has made inroads in this state by kidnapping innocent students.

Just what is the Nigerian govt doing?...

It was negotiating with the kidnappers, shutting down schools and reinforcing security in vulnerable areas.

Boko haram has made a career out of kidnapping students. The meaning of Boko Haram is -- western education is prohibited and the group is enforcing its will.&nbsp;

Now with 300 children kidnapped, Abuja has been forced to negotiate on the Boko Haram's terms. &nbsp;

In recent years, there has been an influx of Nigerians joining the ranks of Boko Haram. Young boys from poor backgrounds ---- highly susceptible to hate propaganda.

In 2014, at least 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Nigeria by the Boko Haram. The sheer scale of it sparked international outrage. It led to a global campaign. The world united in saying 'bring back our girls'.

In 2014, at least 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Nigeria by the Boko Haram. The sheer scale of it sparked international outrage. It led to a global campaign. The world united in saying 'bring back our girls'. The campaign forced the govt of Muhammadu Buhari to act. Some of the girls were rescued by the Nigerian military. But most of them managed to escape on their own. It has been six years 112 girls are still missing to this day. Their whereabouts are still unknown and parents still await their return. The campaign has faded into disappointment. However, another one has begun, 'bring back our boys'. More than 300 schoolboys have been abducted. The Boko Haram has once again claimed responsibility. It's been more than five days and the boys are still missing. Their parents are campaigning for their return. But unlike the last time, the world couldn't be bothered less. There have been a few obligatory statements, and that's it. For more than 300 students to be kidnapped by a jihadist group in broad daylight, The incident deserves the urgent attention of the world as it is important to highlight the fears of the parents. These parents have shown their anger against the inaction of the Nigerian govt led by Muhammadu Buhari. Zainab Muhammed, mother of an abducted child said: "If this government is just, as they say they are, we want them to rescue our children because they have the capacity to do so but their actions are slow because it is not their children that are involved in the incident. They put us in this situation where both we the parents and grandparents are in absolute confusion. They've stopped us from having peace of mind. We are totally sad." Marwa Hamza Kankara, who is a parent of a missing boy said: "A child is not only for one person, over 520 children are missing, they all belong to me as a mother, they belong to everyone. I am not only crying for my child but i am crying for all the children." Hundreds of students have been missing for five days and all the parents have are reassurances from the Nigerian govt. The govt of Nigeria has been putting out images of Muhammadu Buhari being briefed by officials. They say the president is fully committed to the rescue of the school students. And this is despite the fact that the kidnappings have happened in the home-state of the Nigerian president, the state of katsina -- in north-west Nigeria. It had always been plagued by violent bandits. And now the Boko Haram has made inroads in this state by kidnapping innocent students. Just what is the Nigerian govt doing?... It was negotiating with the kidnappers, shutting down schools and reinforcing security in vulnerable areas. Boko haram has made a career out of kidnapping students. The meaning of Boko Haram is -- western education is prohibited and the group is enforcing its will. Now with 300 children kidnapped, Abuja has been forced to negotiate on the Boko Haram's terms. In recent years, there has been an influx of Nigerians joining the ranks of Boko Haram. Young boys from poor backgrounds ---- highly susceptible to hate propaganda.

More than 300 schoolboys abducted in Nigeria by Boko Haram

Nigeria's faltering response is emboldening&nbsp;Boko&nbsp;Haram&nbsp;or the Islamic State in&nbsp;West Africa Province.

While&nbsp;Nigeria's government has repeatedly said it has defeated Boko Haram. Yet after more than 10 years of fighting the armed group, violence is on the rise in the northeast.

Boko Haram and its rival, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) group,&nbsp;have until now waged an insurgency in the northeast of the country and neighbouring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, killing thousands and displacing millions of people.

It has been nearly a decade since a relatively peaceful Maiduguri-based Islamic sect transformed into one of the world’s most brutal transnational terror groups.

The latest abduction of 333 schoolchildren claimed by Boko Haram comes nearly three years after 111 schoolgirls were snatched by jihadists in northern Nigeria, and six after 276 girls were taken from Chibok in a raid that shocked the world.

The man purporting to be the group's leader, Abubakar Shekau, offered no proof for the claim. Reuters was unable to verify the audio and Nigerian authorities did not immediately comment.

In a region where criminal gangs often rob and kidnap civilians for ransom, gunmen took the boys from the Government Science school in Kankara town on Friday. Katsina state authorities say some managed to escape but around 320 were still missing.

"We are behind what happened in Katsina," said the man in the audio, which reached Reuters via a Whatsapp message.

"What happened in Katsina was done to promote Islam and discourage un-Islamic practices as Western education is not the type of education permitted by Allah and his holy prophet."

Boko&nbsp;Haram&nbsp;carried out the 2014 kidnap of more than 200 girls from a school in the northeastern town of Chibok. Since then, about half of those girls have been found or freed, dozens have been paraded in propaganda videos, and an unknown number are believed to have died.

More than 30,000 people have been killed since&nbsp;Boko&nbsp;Haram&nbsp;began its insurgency, which aims to create an Islamic state.

A demoralised and underequipped army is being blamed for slow progress against militants in Nigeria. However, Nigerian soldiers have complained of being under-equipped despite billions in defence spending.

Arms looted in the 2011 fall of Libya’s former leader Muammer Gaddafi reportedly made their way to Boko Haram fighters.&nbsp;

Nigeria's faltering response is emboldening Boko Haram or the Islamic State in West Africa Province. While Nigeria's government has repeatedly said it has defeated Boko Haram.

Nigeria's faltering response is emboldening Boko Haram or the Islamic State in West Africa Province. While Nigeria's government has repeatedly said it has defeated Boko Haram. Yet after more than 10 years of fighting the armed group, violence is on the rise in the northeast. Boko Haram and its rival, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) group, have until now waged an insurgency in the northeast of the country and neighbouring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, killing thousands and displacing millions of people. It has been nearly a decade since a relatively peaceful Maiduguri-based Islamic sect transformed into one of the world’s most brutal transnational terror groups. The latest abduction of 333 schoolchildren claimed by Boko Haram comes nearly three years after 111 schoolgirls were snatched by jihadists in northern Nigeria, and six after 276 girls were taken from Chibok in a raid that shocked the world. The man purporting to be the group's leader, Abubakar Shekau, offered no proof for the claim. Reuters was unable to verify the audio and Nigerian authorities did not immediately comment. In a region where criminal gangs often rob and kidnap civilians for ransom, gunmen took the boys from the Government Science school in Kankara town on Friday. Katsina state authorities say some managed to escape but around 320 were still missing. "We are behind what happened in Katsina," said the man in the audio, which reached Reuters via a Whatsapp message. "What happened in Katsina was done to promote Islam and discourage un-Islamic practices as Western education is not the type of education permitted by Allah and his holy prophet." Boko Haram carried out the 2014 kidnap of more than 200 girls from a school in the northeastern town of Chibok. Since then, about half of those girls have been found or freed, dozens have been paraded in propaganda videos, and an unknown number are believed to have died. More than 30,000 people have been killed since Boko Haram began its insurgency, which aims to create an Islamic state. A demoralised and underequipped army is being blamed for slow progress against militants in Nigeria. However, Nigerian soldiers have complained of being under-equipped despite billions in defence spending. Arms looted in the 2011 fall of Libya’s former leader Muammer Gaddafi reportedly made their way to Boko Haram fighters.

Why Nigeria failed to defeat Boko Haram

Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-students-feared-abducted-after-attack-on-nigeria-school-349412">abduction of hundreds of students</a> from northwestern Nigeria from a school.&nbsp;

The Islamist group sent a voice recorded message to the news agency AFP, like previous messages, and claimed responsibility of the abduction. "I am Abubakar Shekau and our brothers are behind the kidnapping in Katsina," the recording revealed.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-claims-responsibility-of-murdering-27-villagers-in-niger-349725">Boko Haram claims responsibility of murdering 27 villagers in Niger</a>

"We carried out the Katsina attack for the religion of Allah to be supreme and to debase unbelief, because western education is not Islamic and what is taught is not sanctioned by Allah and the Prophet," he continued.

Aminu Bello Masari, the Governor of Katsina State took to Twitter to give updates about the rescue mission of the children. "The abductors of our Children have made contacts with the Government and talks are ongoing to ensure their safety and return to their respective families."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-boko-haram-terrorists-killed-as-nigerian-troops-repel-attack-army-349576">20 Boko Haram terrorists killed as Nigerian troops repel attack: Army</a>

He also revealed the location of their hiding place has also been identified and the security forces are in contact with the abductors, trying to negotiate a deal. "The security agencies deployed for rescue operations have also informed us that they have located their position," he added.

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The abductors of our Children have made contacts with the Government and talks are ongoing to ensure their safety and return to their respective families. 
 
The security agencies deployed for rescue operations have also informed us that they have located their position.
— Aminu Bello Masari (@GovernorMasari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernorMasari/status/1338566823185436673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As of now, the total tally of the missing children has not been made clear. As per&nbsp;Military spokesman General John Enenche spokesman, nearly 333 students have been reported missing.&nbsp;

A group of men, heavily armed, raided an all-boys&nbsp;Government Science Secondary School in the town of Kankara on Friday and abducted hundreds of children which added to the recent violent attacks by the group in the areas of Niger.

Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the abduction of hundreds of students from northwestern Nigeria from a school. The Islamist group sent a voice recorded message to the news agency AFP, like previous messages, and claimed responsibility of the abduction.

Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the abduction of hundreds of students from northwestern Nigeria from a school. The Islamist group sent a voice recorded message to the news agency AFP, like previous messages, and claimed responsibility of the abduction. "I am Abubakar Shekau and our brothers are behind the kidnapping in Katsina," the recording revealed. Also read| Boko Haram claims responsibility of murdering 27 villagers in Niger "We carried out the Katsina attack for the religion of Allah to be supreme and to debase unbelief, because western education is not Islamic and what is taught is not sanctioned by Allah and the Prophet," he continued. Aminu Bello Masari, the Governor of Katsina State took to Twitter to give updates about the rescue mission of the children. "The abductors of our Children have made contacts with the Government and talks are ongoing to ensure their safety and return to their respective families." Also read| 20 Boko Haram terrorists killed as Nigerian troops repel attack: Army He also revealed the location of their hiding place has also been identified and the security forces are in contact with the abductors, trying to negotiate a deal. "The security agencies deployed for rescue operations have also informed us that they have located their position," he added. The abductors of our Children have made contacts with the Government and talks are ongoing to ensure their safety and return to their respective families. The security agencies deployed for rescue operations have also informed us that they have located their position. — Aminu Bello Masari (@GovernorMasari) December 14, 2020 × As of now, the total tally of the missing children has not been made clear. As per Military spokesman General John Enenche spokesman, nearly 333 students have been reported missing. A group of men, heavily armed, raided an all-boys Government Science Secondary School in the town of Kankara on Friday and abducted hundreds of children which added to the recent violent attacks by the group in the areas of Niger.

Boko Haram claims responsibility for abducting hundreds of students in Nigeria

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-four-to-six-months-could-be-worst-of-coronavirus-pandemic-bill-gates-349593">Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates</a> 
 
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Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has warned that the next four to six months could be the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-wielding-guns-screaming-kill-me-shot-dead-by-police-in-new-york-city-349583">A gunman wielding guns, screaming 'kill me' shot dead by police in New York City</a> 
 
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A gunman in New York City who opened fire from the stairs of Cathedral Church of St John the Divine was shot dead by police on Sunday. Reuters reported that the gunman was shouting “Kill me!” Before being accosted by the police, where he showed up right after an outdoor choir performance. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-boko-haram-terrorists-killed-as-nigerian-troops-repel-attack-army-349576">20 Boko Haram terrorists killed as Nigerian troops repel attack: Army</a> 
 
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The Nigerian army on Sunday said troops had killed at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists while repelling an attack launched by the terror group in the northeast region. 
 
Historic US vaccine campaign begins, US to distribute 40 mn doses by end of 2020

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&nbsp;

Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has warned that the next four to six months could be the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has warned that the next four to six months could be the worst of the coronavirus pandemic. A gunman wielding guns, screaming 'kill me' shot dead by police in New York City A gunman in New York City who opened fire from the stairs of Cathedral Church of St John the Divine was shot dead by police on Sunday. Reuters reported that the gunman was shouting “Kill me!” Before being accosted by the police, where he showed up right after an outdoor choir performance. 20 Boko Haram terrorists killed as Nigerian troops repel attack: Army The Nigerian army on Sunday said troops had killed at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists while repelling an attack launched by the terror group in the northeast region. Historic US vaccine campaign begins, US to distribute 40 mn doses by end of 2020

Morning news brief: NYC shootings, Boko Haram and preps for Covid vaccine

The Nigerian army on Sunday said troops had killed at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists while repelling an attack launched by the terror group in the northeast region. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-steps-up-rescue-efforts-for-abducted-students-349573">Also read: Nigeria steps up rescue efforts for abducted students</a> 
 
The attack on Saturday was repelled in the Askira-Uba local government area of the northern state of Borno, as the Boko Haram terrorists targeted a civilian population, said Ado Isa, a spokesman for the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, the state capital. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-indians-kidnapped-by-gunmen-in-nigeria-police-349574">Also read: Two Indians kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria: Police&nbsp;</a> 
 
Isa told Xinhua that one soldier was, however, killed and two others wounded in the gunfight. The Boko Haram terrorists, suspected to have come from the Sambisa Forest, their largest training camp in Nigeria, had mounted on over 15 trucks and approached the Askira-Uba area from different directions simultaneously to wreak havoc, according to the army spokesman.

Four gun trucks were captured by the troops, he said, adding some others were destroyed by airstrikes conducted in support of the ground troops. The Boko Haram group has been trying to establish an Islamist state in northeastern Nigeria since 2009. The deadly group has also extended its attacks to countries in the Lake Chad Basin.

The Nigerian army on Sunday said troops had killed at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists while repelling an attack launched by the terror group in the northeast region.

The Nigerian army on Sunday said troops had killed at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists while repelling an attack launched by the terror group in the northeast region. Also read: Nigeria steps up rescue efforts for abducted students The attack on Saturday was repelled in the Askira-Uba local government area of the northern state of Borno, as the Boko Haram terrorists targeted a civilian population, said Ado Isa, a spokesman for the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, the state capital. Also read: Two Indians kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria: Police Isa told Xinhua that one soldier was, however, killed and two others wounded in the gunfight. The Boko Haram terrorists, suspected to have come from the Sambisa Forest, their largest training camp in Nigeria, had mounted on over 15 trucks and approached the Askira-Uba area from different directions simultaneously to wreak havoc, according to the army spokesman. Four gun trucks were captured by the troops, he said, adding some others were destroyed by airstrikes conducted in support of the ground troops. The Boko Haram group has been trying to establish an Islamist state in northeastern Nigeria since 2009. The deadly group has also extended its attacks to countries in the Lake Chad Basin.

20 Boko Haram terrorists killed as Nigerian troops repel attack: Army

Nigeria's Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the bloody attack that was unleashed on a village in neighbouring Niger on the weekend.

This attack took place on Saturday and left at least 27 villagers dead and several other critically injured&nbsp;on Toumour in the Diffa region, said a senior local official.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-boko-haram-terrorists-killed-as-nigerian-troops-repel-attack-army-349576">20 Boko Haram terrorists killed as Nigerian troops repel attack: Army</a>

Through a video message sent exclusively to the news agency, AFP, Boko Haram claimed responsibility of one of the deadliest attacks in the region. "We hereby inform the world that we are responsible for the attack in the town of Diffa in Niger Republic yesterday," the video said.

The message was delivered by a&nbsp;jihadist fighter who was clad in military&nbsp;camouflage with his face swathed in a turban, AFP reported. Speaking in the regional language Hausa, he claimed, "We carried out the attack with the power of Allah and His help."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-students-feared-abducted-after-attack-on-nigeria-school-349412">Hundreds of students feared abducted after attack on Nigeria school</a>

These attacks took place a few hours before the&nbsp;municipal and regional elections were scheduled to take place in Niger on Sunday. The Islamist group, which is led by&nbsp;elusive leader Abubakar Shekau,&nbsp;has been actively revolting against the authorities by carrying out such deadly attacks and killing villagers in cold blood.

The attack, which is one of many in the recent months, will not be the last one, the group has claimed. Boko Haram has warned Christians that they will be more of such attacks, especially before Christmas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boko-haram-attack-in-niger-claims-at-least-27-lives-several-wounded-349608">WATCH|&nbsp;</a>

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This attack, which lasted almost three hours, led to massive destruction, in addition to the loss of lives. Nearly 1,000 houses and numerous vehicles were burnt down and the central market, too, was destroyed by being set on fire, the locals reported.

"Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed," an elected local official revealed to AFP on condition of anonymity.

Nigeria's Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the bloody attack that was unleashed on a village in neighbouring Niger on the weekend.

Nigeria's Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the bloody attack that was unleashed on a village in neighbouring Niger on the weekend. This attack took place on Saturday and left at least 27 villagers dead and several other critically injured on Toumour in the Diffa region, said a senior local official. Also read| 20 Boko Haram terrorists killed as Nigerian troops repel attack: Army Through a video message sent exclusively to the news agency, AFP, Boko Haram claimed responsibility of one of the deadliest attacks in the region. "We hereby inform the world that we are responsible for the attack in the town of Diffa in Niger Republic yesterday," the video said. The message was delivered by a jihadist fighter who was clad in military camouflage with his face swathed in a turban, AFP reported. Speaking in the regional language Hausa, he claimed, "We carried out the attack with the power of Allah and His help." Also read| Hundreds of students feared abducted after attack on Nigeria school These attacks took place a few hours before the municipal and regional elections were scheduled to take place in Niger on Sunday. The Islamist group, which is led by elusive leader Abubakar Shekau, has been actively revolting against the authorities by carrying out such deadly attacks and killing villagers in cold blood. The attack, which is one of many in the recent months, will not be the last one, the group has claimed. Boko Haram has warned Christians that they will be more of such attacks, especially before Christmas. WATCH| × This attack, which lasted almost three hours, led to massive destruction, in addition to the loss of lives. Nearly 1,000 houses and numerous vehicles were burnt down and the central market, too, was destroyed by being set on fire, the locals reported. "Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed," an elected local official revealed to AFP on condition of anonymity.

Boko Haram claims responsibility of murdering 27 villagers in Niger

Boko Haram group killed at least 27 people in an attack of "unprecedented savagery" in the town of Toumour, in the southeastern Niger region of Diffa, according to local officials. Between 800 and 1,000 houses, the central market and numerous vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, according to a senior local official.

Boko Haram attack in Niger claims at least 27 lives, several wounded

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region. Many others are wounded. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Witnesses and other officials confirmed the attack, which came as municipal and regional elections went ahead across the country.

On November 28, Boko Haram terrorists <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-kills-at-least-43-farm-workers-in-nigeria-346154">struck in Nigeria</a>. Around 30 of the men were beheaded in the attack in the village of Zabarmari.

"Some victims were killed or wounded by bullets, others were burnt inside their houses, consumed by the flames of an enormous fire set by the attackers," said an&nbsp;official.

Between 800 and 1,000 houses, the central market and numerous vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, he added.

Roughly 70 attackers arrived at Toumour at around 1745 GMT on foot, having swum across Lake Chad, said the official. The attack itself lasted three hours.

"They first attacked the residence of the traditional chief, who only just managed to escape," he said.

"It was an attack of unprecedented savagery," said a local elected official who asked not to be named. "Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed."

(With agency inputs)

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region.

In another horrific attack in recent weeks, Boko Haram Jihadists killed at least 27 people in an attack in Niger. The attack took place overnight in the village of Toumour in Difffa region. Many others are wounded. Witnesses and other officials confirmed the attack, which came as municipal and regional elections went ahead across the country. On November 28, Boko Haram terrorists struck in Nigeria. Around 30 of the men were beheaded in the attack in the village of Zabarmari. "Some victims were killed or wounded by bullets, others were burnt inside their houses, consumed by the flames of an enormous fire set by the attackers," said an official. Between 800 and 1,000 houses, the central market and numerous vehicles were also destroyed in the fire, he added. Roughly 70 attackers arrived at Toumour at around 1745 GMT on foot, having swum across Lake Chad, said the official. The attack itself lasted three hours. "They first attacked the residence of the traditional chief, who only just managed to escape," he said. "It was an attack of unprecedented savagery," said a local elected official who asked not to be named. "Nearly 60 percent of the village has been destroyed." (With agency inputs)

Boko Haram Jihadists kill 27 in attack in Niger

ZABARMARI, Nigeria — For years, the farmers had an agreement with Boko Haram militants: They could tend their fields in peace, as long as they did not report the fighters’ presence to the Nigerian Army.

But just over a week ago, that deal was broken. The Islamic group killed more than 70 farmers from Zabarmari, a village in northeastern Nigeria, residents say. The militants accused the farmers of betraying them.

Watch |&nbsp;

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“Everything is shattered now,” said Ibrahim Abubakar, 36.

Four of his friends were beheaded, he said.

People in rural areas of northeast Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, have largely been left at the mercy of Boko Haram by a government whose security forces have mainly retreated from the countryside to protected garrison towns.

Villagers are caught in a deadly Catch-22. If they report the militants to Nigerian authorities, they risk gruesome reprisals by Boko Haram, a group known for abducting schoolgirls and killing tens of thousands of people. If they stay silent, they risk the wrath of the Nigerian military, which has been accused of routinely shooting villagers dead and burning their houses down during raids, as well as detaining people for years in inhumane conditions.

In Zabarmari, villagers struggle to eke out a living through subsistence farming and fishing.

“We are accused of being collaborators by both the security operatives and the insurgents, when all we did was” look for peace, said Garbati Sani, a village elder. “What do we do to stay safe?”

Militants came to the farmers as they were working in rice fields Nov. 28 and told the workers that they needed their help with something, several residents said in interviews. Thinking that they were protected by the peace deal, around 50 farmers went with the militants to the nearby village of Koshebe.

But when they arrived, more militants appeared and took most of them into a building where they slit their throats. Later, other bodies were found nearby, bringing the total number of dead to more than 70, villagers said. In addition, the militants abducted about a dozen women from the village.

Boko Haram and its offshoots have terrorized northeastern Nigeria, as well as parts of Cameroon, Chad and Niger, for more than a decade. When Muhammadu Buhari was elected president in 2015, it was partly on a promise to use his expertise as an army general to resolve the crisis.

Buhari has claimed repeatedly that Boko Haram has been defeated or greatly weakened, and the government has encouraged displaced people to return to their home areas.

But in fact, the military’s strategy of retreating to highly militarized garrison towns — or “supercamps” — has left over 1 million people in rural areas to fend for themselves. And the situation has deteriorated in recent months, so much so that the governor of Borno, which includes Zabarmari and is the country’s worst-affected state, last week called for the federal government to send in mercenaries.

Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2015, a year after the abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls from the village of Chibok in Borno State. But when in 2016 several Boko Haram commanders split off to form their own faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, the Islamic State group backed them.

It was the Shekau faction, widely considered to be more bloodthirsty than the other group, that claimed the Zabarmari attack, in a video circulated on social media.

“We are the ones that carried out that job,” said the spokesman in the clip, slung with ammunition, his face wrapped in a scarf. “You thought you can arrest one of us, and hand him over to soldiers and expect to stay in peace?”

Residents had alternate theories about what had motivated Boko Haram to carry out the massacre.

One said a member of Boko Haram had come to the village and asked a local woman to cook him some food. She told her neighbors, who tipped off authorities, and the militant was arrested.

Another said that the military had raided Boko Haram’s camp, confiscating a gun and some motorcycles. Yet another said that soldiers had caught a militant on a motorcycle when they were on patrol.

Surviving farmers said that they would return to their fields because there was no way they could eat otherwise. Conflict and other conditions in northeastern Nigeria have made the people there desperately hungry, and the region could face a famine in the next few months if nothing is done, according to the United Nations World Food Program.

Villagers in Zabarmari said that those killed were mostly young men, many of them the breadwinners in their families.

“The elderly were not killed because, according to the insurgents, they don’t have enough blood,” said Idi Musa, a fisherman who sat near the mosque, clutching his prayer beads.

But older people in areas controlled by Boko Haram have suffered abuses, torture and killing that amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity, according to a report released by Amnesty International this week.

Many have also had to watch their children and grandchildren die.

On the morning he was killed, one of the farmers, Zakariyau Mohammed, 20, told his father to rest up while he went to the farm.

“I didn’t know it was the last smile I would ever see on his face,” said his father, Sa’adu Mohammed, a tall, slim man in his late 60s, standing outside his modest home of unplastered bricks.

Zakariyau had been a dedicated son, spending all the money he could earn on looking after his family, his father said. He had been planning to get married.

“He was everything I felt proud of,” Mohammed said.

ZABARMARI, Nigeria — For years, the farmers had an agreement with Boko Haram militants: They could tend their fields in peace, as long as they did not report the fighters’ presence to the Nigerian Army.

ZABARMARI, Nigeria — For years, the farmers had an agreement with Boko Haram militants: They could tend their fields in peace, as long as they did not report the fighters’ presence to the Nigerian Army. But just over a week ago, that deal was broken. The Islamic group killed more than 70 farmers from Zabarmari, a village in northeastern Nigeria, residents say. The militants accused the farmers of betraying them. Watch | “Everything is shattered now,” said Ibrahim Abubakar, 36. Four of his friends were beheaded, he said. People in rural areas of northeast Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, have largely been left at the mercy of Boko Haram by a government whose security forces have mainly retreated from the countryside to protected garrison towns. Villagers are caught in a deadly Catch-22. If they report the militants to Nigerian authorities, they risk gruesome reprisals by Boko Haram, a group known for abducting schoolgirls and killing tens of thousands of people. If they stay silent, they risk the wrath of the Nigerian military, which has been accused of routinely shooting villagers dead and burning their houses down during raids, as well as detaining people for years in inhumane conditions. In Zabarmari, villagers struggle to eke out a living through subsistence farming and fishing. “We are accused of being collaborators by both the security operatives and the insurgents, when all we did was” look for peace, said Garbati Sani, a village elder. “What do we do to stay safe?” Militants came to the farmers as they were working in rice fields Nov. 28 and told the workers that they needed their help with something, several residents said in interviews. Thinking that they were protected by the peace deal, around 50 farmers went with the militants to the nearby village of Koshebe. But when they arrived, more militants appeared and took most of them into a building where they slit their throats. Later, other bodies were found nearby, bringing the total number of dead to more than 70, villagers said. In addition, the militants abducted about a dozen women from the village. Boko Haram and its offshoots have terrorized northeastern Nigeria, as well as parts of Cameroon, Chad and Niger, for more than a decade. When Muhammadu Buhari was elected president in 2015, it was partly on a promise to use his expertise as an army general to resolve the crisis. Buhari has claimed repeatedly that Boko Haram has been defeated or greatly weakened, and the government has encouraged displaced people to return to their home areas. But in fact, the military’s strategy of retreating to highly militarized garrison towns — or “supercamps” — has left over 1 million people in rural areas to fend for themselves. And the situation has deteriorated in recent months, so much so that the governor of Borno, which includes Zabarmari and is the country’s worst-affected state, last week called for the federal government to send in mercenaries. Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2015, a year after the abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls from the village of Chibok in Borno State. But when in 2016 several Boko Haram commanders split off to form their own faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, the Islamic State group backed them. It was the Shekau faction, widely considered to be more bloodthirsty than the other group, that claimed the Zabarmari attack, in a video circulated on social media. “We are the ones that carried out that job,” said the spokesman in the clip, slung with ammunition, his face wrapped in a scarf. “You thought you can arrest one of us, and hand him over to soldiers and expect to stay in peace?” Residents had alternate theories about what had motivated Boko Haram to carry out the massacre. One said a member of Boko Haram had come to the village and asked a local woman to cook him some food. She told her neighbors, who tipped off authorities, and the militant was arrested. Another said that the military had raided Boko Haram’s camp, confiscating a gun and some motorcycles. Yet another said that soldiers had caught a militant on a motorcycle when they were on patrol. Surviving farmers said that they would return to their fields because there was no way they could eat otherwise. Conflict and other conditions in northeastern Nigeria have made the people there desperately hungry, and the region could face a famine in the next few months if nothing is done, according to the United Nations World Food Program. Villagers in Zabarmari said that those killed were mostly young men, many of them the breadwinners in their families. “The elderly were not killed because, according to the insurgents, they don’t have enough blood,” said Idi Musa, a fisherman who sat near the mosque, clutching his prayer beads. But older people in areas controlled by Boko Haram have suffered abuses, torture and killing that amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity, according to a report released by Amnesty International this week. Many have also had to watch their children and grandchildren die. On the morning he was killed, one of the farmers, Zakariyau Mohammed, 20, told his father to rest up while he went to the farm. “I didn’t know it was the last smile I would ever see on his face,” said his father, Sa’adu Mohammed, a tall, slim man in his late 60s, standing outside his modest home of unplastered bricks. Zakariyau had been a dedicated son, spending all the money he could earn on looking after his family, his father said. He had been planning to get married. “He was everything I felt proud of,” Mohammed said.

Executed Nigerian farmers were caught between Boko Haram and the Army

After one of the deadliest massacres, villagers in northeast Nigeria’s Borno state buried nearly 43 farmers who were killed by suspected Islamist militants.

The villagers dug graves for 43 victims and laid them down, while the local security forces continued their search for dozens of missing villagers.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-kills-at-least-43-farm-workers-in-nigeria-346154">Boko Haram kills at least 43 farm workers in Nigeria</a>

As per the initial reports, 30 men were beheaded in the attack and the locals are fearing 70 people dead in the attack that started on Saturday morning in the&nbsp;village of Zabarmari.

No group has claimed the attack, as of now. However, it is being treated as an act by&nbsp;Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province — two groups who have been creating problems in the region in the past few months.

Dozens of mourners surrounded the dead bodies which were placed on wooden pallets and wrapped in white burial shrouds. The villagers chanted prayers for the dead which were led by the clerics.

The villagers were tied up in the&nbsp;agricultural fields and the assailants slit their throats in the village of&nbsp;Koshobe.&nbsp; Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the killings and said “the entire country is hurt”.

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This attack came almost a month after the Boko Haram militants&nbsp;slaughtered nearly 22 farmers in two incidents where the farmers were working in fields near&nbsp;Maiduguri.

The UN has estimated that at least 110 people were killed across the Jere local government area of Borno state.

Urging the federal government to deploy more security forces in the region, Borno state governor Babagana Zulum said, "In one side, they stay at home they may be killed by hunger and starvation, on the other, they go out to their farmlands and risk getting killed by the insurgents."

After one of the deadliest massacres, villagers in northeast Nigeria’s Borno state buried nearly 43 farmers who were killed by suspected Islamist militants. The villagers dug graves for 43 victims and laid them down, while the local security forces continued their search for dozens of missing villagers.

After one of the deadliest massacres, villagers in northeast Nigeria’s Borno state buried nearly 43 farmers who were killed by suspected Islamist militants. The villagers dug graves for 43 victims and laid them down, while the local security forces continued their search for dozens of missing villagers. Also read| Boko Haram kills at least 43 farm workers in Nigeria As per the initial reports, 30 men were beheaded in the attack and the locals are fearing 70 people dead in the attack that started on Saturday morning in the village of Zabarmari. No group has claimed the attack, as of now. However, it is being treated as an act by Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province — two groups who have been creating problems in the region in the past few months. Dozens of mourners surrounded the dead bodies which were placed on wooden pallets and wrapped in white burial shrouds. The villagers chanted prayers for the dead which were led by the clerics. The villagers were tied up in the agricultural fields and the assailants slit their throats in the village of Koshobe. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the killings and said “the entire country is hurt”. × This attack came almost a month after the Boko Haram militants slaughtered nearly 22 farmers in two incidents where the farmers were working in fields near Maiduguri. The UN has estimated that at least 110 people were killed across the Jere local government area of Borno state. Urging the federal government to deploy more security forces in the region, Borno state governor Babagana Zulum said, "In one side, they stay at home they may be killed by hunger and starvation, on the other, they go out to their farmlands and risk getting killed by the insurgents."

Nigeria: Nearly 43 villagers buried after suspected Boko Haram attack

At least 110 people have been killed in an attack on a village in north-east Nigeria blamed on the Boko Haram jihadist group

At least 110 dead in Nigeria after suspected Boko Haram attack

A horrific attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadist group has claimed 110 lives in northeast Nigeria, said the United Nations. UN's humanitarian coordinator said that this was the "most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year". The attack took in Koshobe, a village near the main city of Maiduguri. The attackers targetted rice field farmers. The tragedy took place on Saturday (November 28)

"At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack," UN's Edward Kallon said in a statement after initial tolls indicated 43 and then at least 70 dead from Saturday's massacre by suspected Boko Haram fighters.

"The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year," Kallon said, adding: "I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice."

Borno Governor Babaganan Umara Zulum attended the burial Sunday in the nearby village of Zabarmari of 43 bodies recovered on Saturday, saying the toll could rise after search operations resumed.

According to a pro-government anti-jihadist media, the attackers tied up agricultural workers and slit their throats.

The victims were among labourers from Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away, who had travelled to the northeast to find work, it said.&nbsp;

Six were wounded in the attack and eight remained missing as of Saturday.&nbsp;

Kallon, citing "reports that several women may have been kidnapped", called for their immediate release and return to safety.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack, saying: "The entire country has been wounded by these senseless killings."

The attack took place as voters went to the polls in long-delayed local elections in Borno State. 
The polls had been repeatedly postponed because of an increase in attacks by Boko Haram and a rival dissident faction, ISWAP.

The two groups have been blamed for increasing attacks on loggers, farmers and fishermen whom they accuse of spying for the army and pro-government militias.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

A horrific attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadist group has claimed 110 lives in northeast Nigeria, said the United Nations. UN's humanitarian coordinator said that this was the "most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year".

A horrific attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadist group has claimed 110 lives in northeast Nigeria, said the United Nations. UN's humanitarian coordinator said that this was the "most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year". The attack took in Koshobe, a village near the main city of Maiduguri. The attackers targetted rice field farmers. The tragedy took place on Saturday (November 28) "At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack," UN's Edward Kallon said in a statement after initial tolls indicated 43 and then at least 70 dead from Saturday's massacre by suspected Boko Haram fighters. "The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year," Kallon said, adding: "I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice." Borno Governor Babaganan Umara Zulum attended the burial Sunday in the nearby village of Zabarmari of 43 bodies recovered on Saturday, saying the toll could rise after search operations resumed. According to a pro-government anti-jihadist media, the attackers tied up agricultural workers and slit their throats. The victims were among labourers from Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away, who had travelled to the northeast to find work, it said. Six were wounded in the attack and eight remained missing as of Saturday. Kallon, citing "reports that several women may have been kidnapped", called for their immediate release and return to safety. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack, saying: "The entire country has been wounded by these senseless killings." The attack took place as voters went to the polls in long-delayed local elections in Borno State. The polls had been repeatedly postponed because of an increase in attacks by Boko Haram and a rival dissident faction, ISWAP. The two groups have been blamed for increasing attacks on loggers, farmers and fishermen whom they accuse of spying for the army and pro-government militias. (With AFP inputs)

Nigeria attack blamed on jihadists claims 110 lives

Boko Haram fighters killed at least 43 farm workers and injured six in rice fields near the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on Saturday.

The assailants tied up the agricultural workers and slit their throats in the village of Koshobe, an anti-jihadist militia told AFP.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack.

The victims were labourers from Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away, who had travelled to the northeast to find work, said another militiaman Ibrahim Liman who gave the same toll.&nbsp;

Eight others were missing, presumed to have been kidnapped by the jihadists.

The bodies were taken to Zabarmari village, two kilometres away, where they would be kept ahead of burial on Sunday, said resident Mala Bunu who took part in the search and rescue operation.

Last month Boko Haram militants slaughtered 22 farmers&nbsp;working on their irrigation fields near Maiduguri in two separate incidents.

Boko Haram and ISWAP, its IS-linked rival, have increasingly targeted loggers, herders and fishermen in their violent campaign, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them.

At least 36,000 people have been killed in the jihadist conflict, which has displaced around two million since 2009.

Boko Haram fighters killed at least 43 farm workers and injured six in rice fields near the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on Saturday. The assailants tied up the agricultural workers and slit their throats in the village of Koshobe, an anti-jihadist militia told AFP.

Boko Haram fighters killed at least 43 farm workers and injured six in rice fields near the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on Saturday. The assailants tied up the agricultural workers and slit their throats in the village of Koshobe, an anti-jihadist militia told AFP. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack. The victims were labourers from Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away, who had travelled to the northeast to find work, said another militiaman Ibrahim Liman who gave the same toll. Eight others were missing, presumed to have been kidnapped by the jihadists. The bodies were taken to Zabarmari village, two kilometres away, where they would be kept ahead of burial on Sunday, said resident Mala Bunu who took part in the search and rescue operation. Last month Boko Haram militants slaughtered 22 farmers working on their irrigation fields near Maiduguri in two separate incidents. Boko Haram and ISWAP, its IS-linked rival, have increasingly targeted loggers, herders and fishermen in their violent campaign, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them. At least 36,000 people have been killed in the jihadist conflict, which has displaced around two million since 2009.

Boko Haram kills at least 43 farm workers in Nigeria

Nigeria has turned into a land of conflicts, leading to protests against President Muhammadu Buhari. Islamic militant group Boko Haram is exploiting the situation, bringing new armed groups into its fold. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Nigeria pulled apart by multiple conflicts

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