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Boko Haram kills 10, kidnaps 160 in attack
People march during a rally in N'Djamena on January 17, 2015 to show their support of the authorities' decision to send troops to fight Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists. Cameroon, Chad and Niger have launched a regional bid to combat the Boko Haram Islamists, as their attacks spread beyond Nigeria and concern mounts over the Nigerians' failure to regain control. AFP PHOTO
What you need to know:
- The group’s official name is Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, which in Arabic means ‘‘People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad’’.
Ten people have been killed and at least 160 other villagers have been kidnapped from a remote community in Nigeria’s central Niger state, officials say.
A large number of armed men, suspected to be from Nigeria’s militant Islamist group Boko Haram, invaded Kuchi village on Friday night, May 24, local official Aminu Abdulhamid Najume told the BBC’s World Service.
Those kidnapped were mostly women and children, while those killed included local hunters who were providing security for the area, he said.
The gunmen reportedly rode into Kuchi on motorbikes and even spent time cooking food, making tea and looting houses before leaving more than two hours later.
Mr Najume , who chairs the Council of the Munya Local Government Area, said the Kurchi community had been left traumatised and anxious to hear news of those taken.
Writing on social media, Amnesty International expressed its “deep concern” at the mass abduction.
“The invasion of the village by the gunmen is yet another indication of the Nigerian authorities’ utter failure to protect lives,” it said.
“Since 2021 gunmen have been consistently attacking Kuchi village and raping women and girls in their matrimonial homes.
“From time to time, the gunmen demand millions of Naira as ransom from the people to avoid being kidnapped.
“Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian authorities to end these spate of abductions and bring suspected perpetrators to justice. Frequent mass abductions and killings are clear evidence of failure of authorities to protect the people.”
Attacks in Niger state have become increasingly common although it has often been unclear if the gunmen have any links to jihadist groups. Last month several villages were targeted by armed gangs kidnapping for ransom.
Nigeria’s militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused havoc in Africa’s most populous country through a wave of bombings, assassinations and abductions - is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.
Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it “haram”, or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity associated with Western society.
Reason
Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers, regardless of whether the president is Muslim or not - and it has extended its military campaign by targeting neighbouring states.
The group’s official name is Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, which in Arabic means ‘‘People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad’’.
