Dozens Killed in Boko Haram Attack on Village in Northeastern Nigeria

 Fighters from the extremist group attacked Mafa village on Sunday, setting fire to shops and homes.

Villagers held a mass funeral for the victims. [Reuters]

4 Sep 2024

Dozens have been killed after suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked a village in northeastern Nigeria, setting fire to shops and homes.

The assault occurred on Sunday afternoon. According to police spokesman Dungus Abdulkarim, around 150 suspected Boko Haram militants, armed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, attacked Mafa ward on over 50 motorcycles. They killed many people and destroyed numerous properties. The exact number of casualties has yet to be determined.

Abdulkarim suggested that the attack might be in retaliation for the killing of two suspected Boko Haram fighters by local vigilantes. Yobe State, where the village is located, is one of three states severely affected by a 15-year insurgency led by Boko Haram and other extremist groups. This conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 2 million people. The insurgents have allied with criminal gangs known as “bandits” who raid villages, kill residents, abduct people, and burn homes after looting.