Boko Haram Sets Five Churches Ablaze, Many Worshippers Slain In Borno

It was another bloody Sunday in Borno State as Boko Haram gunmen made good their threat to visit the Chibok area again with terror as the gunmen set five churches in Kwada village on fire, killing many worshippers in the attack.

Kwada village lies some 10 kilometres from Chibok where over 200 schoolgirls were abducted by the insurgents on April 14.

Local sources listed the churches set ablaze by the gunmen to include the big three churches in the village namely COCIN, EYN and Deeper Life Bible Church where the casualty figure was yet to be ascertained when filing this report.

“They (the insurgents) killed and burnt down houses after they had attacked worshippers in five churches in Kwada, and advanced to Kautikari less than eight kilometres to Chibok town, killing and burning down houses and properties.

“As at now we do not know about the efforts of the security agents, whether they are on ground or not but all our people, those who can flee, have run into the bush and are being pursued by the murderers,” a resident of the village who identified himself as Mallam Yahi said in Maiduguri on Sunday.

According to the local source, residents of Chibok were also forced to flee their home following the news of the attacks in Kwada and Kautikari, expressing fears that the insurgents may storm Chibok again.

“Our people have fled into the bushes and we can only appeal that security men are immediately drafted to the town and environs,” a senior Local Government official said, craving anonymity.

He disclosed that on receipt of a threat letter from Boko Haram few weeks ago, the people had requested maximum protection from the police, a request that was turned down by the police who complained of logistics problem.
None of the officials of the security agencies could be reached for confirmation of the attack when filing this report as they are believed to be involved in the counter-terrorism operations against the insurgents.