NIGER STATE, Nigeria — Militants have killed at least 58 people in Christian villages in northern Nigeria since Christmas, and kidnapped others from a Catholic boarding school, according to multiple media reports.
At least 14 people are dead and four remain missing after suspected Boko Haram militants attacked three villages Dec. 29 in the Hong local government area of Adamawa state, Nigeria, the International Christian Concern (ICC) reported.
The attackers targeted the villages of Zah, Mubang Yadul and Kijing, burning or vandalizing numerous homes and businesses before fleeing into nearby bush land ahead of security forces’ arrival. Many residents fled for safety.
The assault marks one of the latest in a series of attacks on area villages around Christmas, including previous strikes in the Garaha and Mayo Ladde districts.
Separately, at least nine Nigerian soldiers died and several others were injured when their convoy struck a landmine and came under fire Jan. 5 in Borno state in northeastern Nigeria. A Reuters security source said the terrorists planted a mine causing nine soldiers to die instantly, while five others were seriously injured.
Nigeria’s northeast remains the country’s most conflict-prone region, where Islamic State West Africa Province fighters and Boko Haram have intensified attacks in recent months against military convoys and civilians alike.
The attacks follow a U.S. airstrike Dec. 25 against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria. The strike, conducted at the Nigerian government’s request, targeted militants President Donald Trump said had been attacking Christians in the region.
Further reading:
Reuters – At least nine soldiers killed in ambush attack in Nigeria’s Borno state, sources say
ICC – 14 Dead, 4 Missing Following Boko Haram Attacks
Leadership.ng – Death Toll Rises To 14 In Adamawa Attacks
BBC – US launches strikes against Islamic State in Nigeria
Baptist Press – Militants kill dozens in Christian villages in Nigeria after U.S. missile strikes
Note: The links above are a sampling of headlines related to the story and are not an endorsement of all viewpoints or reporting.
