Boko Haram Kill 74 In 2 Northeastern Villages Attack

74 people have been killed in separate attacks by suspected Boko Haram members in Adamawa and Borno states, northeast Nigeria.

Attackers armed with guns and explosives reportedly killed 22 people at a busy church service in Waga Chakawa village in Adamawa state on Sunday morning, before burning houses and taking residents hostage during a four-hour siege, witnesses said.

The spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Yola, Reverend Father Raymond Danbouye, confirmed to Reuters news agency that 22 people were killed in the attack and have been buried on Monday.

In the other attack in neighboring Kawuri Village in Borno state, Security officials told Associated Press that suspected Islamic extremists used explosives to attack the village killing 52 people and razing more than 300 homes.

A security official said the attackers planted several explosives at a market around Kawuri village on Sunday.

A police official who evacuated wounded victims confirmed that at least 52 people were killed. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not permitted to speak to reporters.

Ari Kolomi, who escaped the massacre, said there were more than 50 attackers.

The security official blamed the Islamic terrorist network Boko Haram, which has killed thousands over four years in Nigeria’s northeast.

Police commissioner, Lawan Tanko confirmed the attack, but would not give details on casualties.

“Yes, there was an attack in Kawuri village in Konduga local government yesterday, I am waiting for a detailed report on casualties from the District Police Officer there, but from the preliminary report I got, no police officer died, except few that were injured. But as soon as the report comes in we will brief the press at once,” he said.

Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states have been under a military state of emergency since May.