Genocide in Nigeria?
The military and independent investigators are at odds over what happened at the northern Nigerian village of Baga on April 21, when civilians were caught in the crossfire between army troops and Boko Haram fighters. Senator Maina Maaji, who represents Borno state in the National Assembly reports that he counted 228 graves and over 4,000 destroyed houses in Baga, his hometown, on a fact-finding mission. The senator, who spoke to journalists in nearby Maiduguri April 27, alleged that those killed were defenseless youths, children and women. Nigeria's Defense Headquarters says it sent its own fact-finding team to Baga, and determined only 37 were killed. It also denied eport that it had arrested 15 soldiers in connection with the attack on Baga. The Red Cross protested that Nigerian soldiers restricted access to Baga in the days after the massacre. (Premium Times, Abuja, April 29; Daily Trust, Abuja, April 28 via AllAfrica; PM Press, Abuja, April 28; PM Press, April 23)
Boko Haram in new massacre
Boko Haram Islamists disguised in military uniforms set up checkpoints outside the town of Benisheik in Borno state Sept. 18 and shot dead those trying to flee—a total of 87. The insurgents also burnt scores of homes and buildings. (AAP, Al Jazeera, BBC News, Sept. 20) The assault came days after a military strike on a Boko Haram camp in Borno killed 150 fighters and 16 soldiers. (Al Jazeera, Sept. 18)
Boko Haram in massacre of students
Suspected Islamic militants attacked Yobe State College of Agriculture at Gujba in the dead of night, killing at least 40 students as they slept in dormitories and torching classrooms. Some 20 are in critical condition and the death toll is expected to rise. (AP, Sept. 29)
Boko Haram massacre students —again
At least 29 students were killed when presumed Boko Haram militants attacked a boarding school in Buni Yadi, Yobe state, Feb. 25. Yobe Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam said more troops were needed to contain the militants. "It is unfortunate that up to five hours when this massacre took place, there were no security agents around to stop or contain the situation," he said in a statement. (BBC News)