By Rafiu Ajakaye
LAGOS
At least 40 civilians reportedly died after gunmen believed to be Boko Haram militants invaded a village just about 26kms from Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State.
"The terrorists attacked Azaya Kura on Wednesday and killed over 40 residents and injured several others," Abdul Jalaal, a member of the local civilian Joint Task Force, told The Anadolu Agency early on Friday.
"But despite not taking over the village we fear that the marauders may be getting too close to Maidiguri and so we are reviewing security checks to forestall possible attacks," he said.
AA couldn't speak with the spokesman of the CJTF but he confirmed the development in a terse text message.
"It is true that an attack occurred at Azaya Kura on Wednesday and several innocent people got killed in the process," he said.
AA reported on Wednesday that military and vigilante members had heightened security checks in and around Maiduguri following intelligence about possible attacks on the provincial capital.
Maiduguri had long been rumored to be in danger of imminent attacks by Boko Haram, although the army has always been quick to dismiss the claim.
Adamawa, Borno and Yobe - the three states most ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency - have since 2013 been placed under an emergency rule to help flush out militants.
Locals and observers say the measure has not achieved the objectives as militant attacks remain prevalent in the region.
Dozens of schoolchildren and teachers were recently killed in attacks across the region.
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