Boko Haram Opened Fire On Villages, Killing Innocent People
Boko Haram strikes again as the militant group launched a killing spree in two villages in Niger’s southeastern Diffa region.
According to media reports, at least 40 people died when the notorious militants opened fire on the villages and set homes ablaze, killing people, including women and children.
The militants without mercy even shot women and children to death.
A week ago, the militants launched a deadly suicide attack in neighboring Chad that killed at least 24 people. Chadian forces retaliated after the deadly attack by launching operations against some Boko Haram bases in Nigeria.
U.S. Condemns Boko Haram Attacks in Niger
The deadly attack perpetrated by the militants has drawn condemnation from the United States.
In a press statement in Washington DC, Department Spokesperson John Kirby said the US government condemned the attacks in Lamana, Boulamare, and Goumao, Niger, that killed approximately 40 villagers.
“We offer our condolences to the Government of Niger and the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.” – Mr. Kirby
Mr. Kirby said Boko Haram has perpetrated countless unprovoked attacks on men, women, and children in their homes, schools, places of worship, and businesses.
“We remain committed to working closely with partners in the region to root out the threat posed by the group.” – Mr. Kirby
Many Lives Lost
The unspeakable violence perpetrated by the Boko Haram extremist group has killed many Nigerians, particularly in September 2013, when attacks in Benisheikh resulted in the death of more than 160 people and in Yobe, where more than 50 innocent students lost their lives.
In August 2011, a suicide bomber from Boko Haram attacked the United Nations headquarters in Nigeria’s capital Abuja.
Also in February 2013, Boko Haram kidnapped 7 French tourists in Cameroon. According to Ms. Greenfield, although Boko Haram has directed most of its violence and rhetoric at Nigerian targets, reports of linkages between Boko Haram and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, are worrying.
Sectarian Violence Escalates in Nigeria
Earlier in 2012, spiraling violence escalated in Nigeria as the terrorist group unleashed a series of attacks.
Boko Haram militants attacked several churches on Christmas Day, killing dozens of worshipers. The bombings occurred in Madala, on the outskirts of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, and in the north-eastern city of Jos.
The United Nations human rights chief, Navi Pillay, urged a bold effort by Nigeria’s political and religious leaders to halt the spiraling sectarian violence.
Boko Haram means “western education is forbidden”
The militant group has expressed strong opposition to the introduction of western education in the country. The group launched military operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state. Since then, the group has staged deadly terrorist attacks that killed thousands of people.
The US declared Boko Haram as a terrorist group in 2013.