Monday 4 November 2013

Nigerian wedding party in Borno State massacred by gunmen


File photo of Nigerian troops patrolling in Borno state, August 2013 
 
 The Nigerian military has stepped up operations against Boko Haram in the north
Gunmen in north-eastern Nigeria have killed more than 30 people in a attack on a wedding convoy.
It happened on a notoriously dangerous stretch of road between Bama and Banki in Borno State, east of the regional capital Maiduguri. 

The groom was reportedly amongst the victims.
The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has carried out frequent attacks in the area despite a state of emergency declared in north-east Nigeria in May.

Thousands of additional troops have been sent there to fight Boko Haram - which had been fighting to create an Islamic state since 2009. However attacks on civilians have continued.
A week ago dozens of people were killed during a lengthy gunfight after suspected militants attacked the town of Damaturu, burning police and military buildings. 

A motorist who saw the bodies told AFP news agency that many of the victims appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds.

"All the victims were brutally murdered by the attackers," said the driver, who did not wish to be named.
"My passengers and I were shocked when we met the dead bodies lying by the highway."
The fate of the bride and her family members is unknown.

SOURCE: BBC