Boko Haram kills dozens, abducts several more near Chibok

Suspected Boko Haram militants have killed dozens and kidnapped about 100 people in Gumsere, a community near Chibok, Borno State, survivors of the attack have said.

At least 30 people were killed, they said.

The attack came more than eight months after Boko Haram abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in Chibok itself.

Chibok became the focus of international outrage after the kidnapping on April 14.

While about 57 of the girls managed to escape, more than 200 have remained in captivity.

Sources said militants arrived Gumsere at about 4p.m. on Friday and attacked the community overnight, killing “many people” and burning “several houses”.

The military responded early Saturday after the attackers had left, they said.

A pastor in neighbouring Chibok, Mark Enoch, confirmed the attack.

He said he could not be precise with the number of people killed. But he said he travelled to the area on Monday and there were still bodies everywhere.

Residents said the militants descended on the community targeting a powerful leader of a local vigilante who has acted as the security chief of the area, and had succeeded wading off previous Boko Haram attacks on the community.

The residents said the man was killed finally and all members of his family, including his wife and daughters, taken away by the terrorists.

Mr. Enoch and other sources said the attack could not have happened in Chibok itself as the town has a heavy military presence.
They said Gumsere is about 20 kilometers away and lies between Chibok and Damboa.

“The soldiers are really trying their best. If it was Chibok I know they would have responded early enough. But Gumsere is far in the bush,” one source said.

News of the attack took days to emerge due to poor communication network in the area, they said.

Police spokesperson for Borno State, Gideon Jibrin, could not be reached.