Boko Haram Strikes Again
The notorious Boko Haram rebels stormed the village of Kawuri in Nigeria, killing 85 people.
According to media reports, 85 people had been killed by gunmen who were dressed in military uniform, and opened fire on residents, burnt houses and mosques.
Women were also kidnapped by the rebels and 50 people were receiving treatment in hospital.
In another incident, Boko Haram rebels attacked the neighboring Adamawa state, killing 22 people during an attack on a church service.
Boko Haram wants to impose Islamic law in the African country where it has killed thousands over the past four and a half years since it launched an uprising in 2009.
US condemns the vicious attacks in Nigeria
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki expressed condemnation of Boko Haram’s vicious attacks on Sunday in Borno and Adamawa, Nigeria, that took the lives of dozens of innocent civilians.
“We support Nigerian authorities as they begin to investigate these attacks, and urge citizens to support their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.” – Ms. Psaki
She pointed out that the United States remains committed to supporting the people of northern Nigeria in their struggle against violent extremism and to helping the Government of Nigeria as it works to counter the threat posed by Boko Haram and associated groups.
Many Lives Lost
The unspeakable violence perpetrated by the extremist group has killed too 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 on 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, spiralling violence escalated in Nigeria as Boko Haram group unleashed a series of attacks. Boko Haram is a local terrorist group professing allegiance to Al Qaeda.
Boko Haram militants attacked several churches on Christmas Day, killing dozens of worshippers. 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 spiralling sectarian violence.
