LAGOS
At least 28 people were killed Thursday in fresh attacks by Boko Haram militants on four villages in the northeastern Nigerian city of Adamawa.
"The terrorists arrived in Michika town at about 4a.m. in nine Hillux buses. They were terribly armed. They came with grenade rocket launcher and some other powerful guns," Istifanus Audu, a resident of Michika town, told Anadolu Agency.
"They left no fewer than 28 people dead and several injured," he added.
Audu said that the attackers had earlier stormed Kirchinga, Kubla and Shuwa villages before attacking Michika.
"They attacked mosques and churches alike in Michika and set residential on fire before leaving. They operated for about four hours before fleeing,"Audu added.
It is not clear how many people died in attacks in these villages.
Military spokesman for the 23rd Armoured Brigade Ja'afaru Nuhu confirmed the attacks.
"We will give you details as soon as they become clear," he told AA.
Boko Haram, a hitherto peaceful organization that had preached against corruption, suddenly turned violent in 2009 following the murder of group leader Mohamed Yusuf while in police custody.
In the years since, the group has been blamed for thousands of terrorist acts, including attacks on churches and security posts across Nigeria's northern region, especially the three northeastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
Although it claims to want an Islamist government in the region, Nigerian Muslims – most of whom reject Boko Haram as un-Islamic – have also been targeted by the militant group.
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