REVENGE: 20 Killed As Boko Haram Storm Borno

Islamist insurgents belonging to Boko Haram yesterday attacked Shaffa town in Borno State, killing at least 20 people.
In a telephone call to our correspondent moments ago, a pastor of a Christian church disclosed that the insurgents stormed Shaffa in several sports utility vehicles as well as motorcycles. “They opened fire on villagers and set churches and homes on fire,” said the pastor, Emmanuel Wida. Mr. Wida said he was a resident of Shaffa.
The militants’ act of carnage happened a fortnight after security operatives arrested several suspected members of the terrorist group in Shaffa, which is in the Hawul local government area of Borno State.
According to Mr. Wida, the attacking insurgents screamed “Allahu akbar!” as they wreaked death and destruction in his community. He said the attack lasted for three hours and left no fewer than 20 victims dead.
“As soon as we heard their screams, gunshots followed. My younger brother is among those killed,” said the pastor, adding that survivors had collected 20 bodies so far.
“All our churches as well as many homes were razed down,” Mr. Wida continued. He added that the insurgents must have targeted the town because of the earlier arrest of their members by security agents.
Shaffa is located in the southern part of Borno State and is about 137 miles from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Another resident, Yohanna Adamu, also spoke to our correspondent on phone from Biu. “We ran into the mountains to hide until the morning when we started a journey to Biu. We just found our way to Biu this afternoon,” said Mr. Adamu. He confirmed that the militants burnt down all the churches and numerous houses in Shaffa.
He added that he was in a state of confusion and anxiety because he had not been able to establish contact with his parents. “l am calling on the government to alert security agencies to go after [the militants] and rescue our people,” he said.

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