Deadly Incident in Nigeria Sparks Call for Increased Security Measures

Deadly Incident in Nigeria Sparks Call for Increased Security Measures

A suspected Boko Haram attack in northeastern Nigeria has claimed at least 80 lives, illustrating the ongoing extremist threat and urgent need for humanitarian aid.

At a Glance

  • At least 80 people killed in a suspected Boko Haram attack in Yobe state.
  • Around 150 terrorists armed with rifles and RPGs attacked on motorcycles.
  • Boko Haram’s 15-year insurgency has resulted in over 40,000 deaths.
  • Over 8.3 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance in Nigeria.

A Devastating Attack

In a recent attack in Nigeria’s north-eastern Yobe state, suspected Boko Haram militants killed at least 80 people and left several others missing. Approximately 150 jihadists armed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) attacked the Mafa ward using more than 50 motorcycles. The militants wreaked havoc, burning shops and houses.

The assault appears to have been retribution for the killing of two Boko Haram terrorists by village vigilantes. Local police spokesperson Abdulkarim Dungus reported the deaths and extensive property damage but stated that the exact number of casualties was still being determined. This attack forms part of Boko Haram’s long-standing deadly campaign in Nigeria.

Background of Bloodshed

Boko Haram has led a 15-year insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, resulting in over 40,000 deaths. The group’s violent activities extend beyond Nigeria, affecting neighboring countries including Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Crises stemming from Boko Haram’s actions have forced millions into dire humanitarian situations. According to the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, over 8.3 million Nigerians require urgent assistance—80% are women and children.

“Around 150 suspected Boko Haram terrorists armed with rifles and RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades] attacked Mafa ward on more than 50 motorcycles around 4pm on Sunday,” said Abdulkarim Dungus, a Yobe state police spokesperson, according to Agence France-Presse. “They killed many people and burned many shops and houses. We are yet to ascertain the actual number of those killed in the attack.”

Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWA), have been responsible for gross human rights violations. Boko Haram employs cruel tactics, including suicide bombings, abductions, torture, rape, forced marriages, and recruitment of child soldiers. These extremist activities have led to severe human rights abuses and have exacerbated the region’s humanitarian crisis.

Call for International Support

Over the years, both Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including alleged execution operations like a secret abortion program terminating over 10,000 pregnancies. Such persistent violence underscores the urgent need for international intervention and aid.

“On 11 December 2020 the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced the completion of a preliminary examination into the situation in Nigeria, concluding that there is reasonable basis to believe that Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.” – Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has completed preliminary examinations and identified a reasonable basis to believe Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces committed war crimes. The gravity of the situation necessitates accountable intervention and increased humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by this long-standing conflict.

Sources

  1. At least 80 dead after suspected Boko Haram attack in Nigeria
  1. Nigeria
  1. BOKO HARAM
  1. Cameroon: Boko Haram Attacks Escalate in Far North
  1. FROM “WESTERN EDUCATION IS FORBIDDEN” TO THE WORLD’S DEADLIEST TERRORIST GROUP
  1. Nigeria: Girls failed by authorities after escaping Boko Haram captivity – new report
  1. Twittering the Boko Haram Uprising in Nigeria: Investigating Pragmatic Acts in the Social Media
  1. At least 80 dead after suspected Boko Haram attack in Nigeria