50 Killed in Series of Boko Haram Attacks on Northern Nigeria

ICC Note:
At least 50 people have been killed in a series of attacks in northern Nigeria suspected to be perpetrated by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. According to reports, Christians and Muslims were killed by suspected Boko Haram militants in numerous attacks taking place across Nigeria’s Borno State. One major attack took place at a mosque where gunmen opened fire on Muslims gathered for prayer. Both Christians and Muslims have stood up and condemned the violence. Hopefully this will lead to greater unity between the two groups as they continue to suffer under the scourge of Boko Haram.
8/16/2013 Nigeria (Christian Today) – At least 50 civilians were killed and dozens more injured in a series of weekend attacks in north-eastern Nigeria by the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram.
According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), twelve people are reported to have been killed when Boko Haram members dressed in military and police uniforms attacked Ngom, a village situated between Mafa and Konduga Local Government Areas in Borno State, on Saturday. Several sources report the victims’ hands were tied behind their backs prior to their throats being slit.
According to an unconfirmed report, 19 people from surrounding villages were also murdered in a similar manner during Sunday, August, 11, 2013.
Also on August 11, Boko Haram gunmen attacked Konduga Central Mosque and adjoining mosques in Konduga Town during early morning prayers, killing 46 worshippers and injuring at least 30 people, 26 of whom required hospital treatment.
At the same time, other members of the group petrol bombed and destroyed around 50 homes. This was Boko Haram’s first large scale attack inside a mosque; the group had previously targeted individuals on their way to or from prayer.
“The attacks occurred despite the existence of states of emergency in Borno and Yobe States, and are thought to be in retaliation for a growth in vigilantism as local communities work increasingly successfully with the security services to expose Boko Haram members and sympathisers. Boko Haram is reported to have murdered 45 villagers it accused of belonging to vigilante groups or collaborating with the military during two separate attacks in Borno State in July,” said a spokesperson for CSW.
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