Jihadist assault claims lives of at least 63 individuals in Nigeria - Violent Jihadist Attack Claims Lives of 63 in Nigeria
In the troubled northeastern region of Nigeria, the town of Darul Jamal was the latest target of the violent militant group Boko Haram. The attack, which occurred on Friday at around 20:30 local time (21:30 CEST), has left at least 63 people dead, with initial reports suggesting the number could be as high as 64.
The town, situated on the border with Cameroon, is home to a military outpost. Many residents, including Malam Bukar and his family, fled the town following the attack.
The jihadist group Boko Haram, led by suspected commander Abubakar Shekau, has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, security sources have also named Ali Ngulde, a Boko Haram commander who controls the area in the state of Borno, as the likely leader of the attack.
The attack took a devastating toll on the town's residents. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers opened fire on people with assault rifles and set houses on fire. The Nigerian Air Force reportedly killed 30 "terrorists" in the town, but the army did not issue an official statement immediately following the attack.
This latest attack comes amidst a power struggle between Boko Haram and ISWAP, another jihadist group that split from Boko Haram in 2016. Both groups are known for their brutal tactics and targeting of civilians.
The attack raises questions about the Nigerian government's efforts to return residents from camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to rural areas. Many people had recently returned to Darul Jamal after the authorities closed a camp for IDPs. The newly formed Forest Guards, intended to support security forces in the region, may need to reevaluate their strategies in light of this attack.
Borno Governor Zulum expressed concerns about the numerical strength of the Nigerian army in the region, calling for reinforcements to protect civilians. The AFP requested a response from the Nigerian Air Force but did not receive an immediate response.
Since 2009, when Boko Haram began carrying out attacks in Nigeria, more than 40,000 people have been killed and around two million people have been displaced from their homes in northeastern Nigeria. The international community continues to watch the situation closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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