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Boko Haram Has Killed 223 Civilians In North East Since April – Amnesty

Amnesty International says Boko Haram attacks and suicide bombings in Cameroon and Nigeria have left at least 381 civilians dead in five months since the … Continue reading Boko Haram Has Killed 223 Civilians In North East Since April – Amnesty


Four Killed In Twin Suicide Bombing In Maiduguri
FILE

Amnesty International Declares Interest In Death Of Desmond Nunugwo

Amnesty International says Boko Haram attacks and suicide bombings in Cameroon and Nigeria have left at least 381 civilians dead in five months since the start of April 2017, with casualties more than double the previous five months.

A statement signed by its Media Manager in Nigeria, Mr. Isa Sanusi quoted the organisation’s Director for West and Central Africa, Alioune Tine, as saying Boko Haram committed war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people.

“Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can.

“This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians in the Lake Chad region. Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror.”

In Cameroon, according to Mr Sanusi, Boko Haram succeeded in 158 civilians since April – four times more than in the preceding five months. The recent spike in casualties being driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30 – more than one per week – carried out since the beginning of April.

“In Cameroon, Boko Haram have killed at least 158 civilians since April – four times more than in the preceding five months. The recent spike in casualties has been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30 – more than one per week – carried out since the beginning of April.

The deadliest attack took place in Waza on 12 July, when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.

The town of Kolofata, in the Mayo-Sava district, has been especially targeted with nine attacks since April. Mora, the second largest urban centre in the Far North region, has also been hit three times.

“The displacement of Boko Haram fighters from the Sambisa Forest in Nigeria to the Mandara Mountains in Cameroon, following operations conducted by the Nigerian military, may explain some of the increase in attacks in Cameroon.”