At least 30 people, including a pregnant woman, have been reportedly killed in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno region after suspected Boko Haram militants set fire on several vehicles conveying travelers.
According to an eyewitness, the attacks happened in Auno village where the passengers were stranded due to the curfew imposed by the military. Auno is about 20 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Boko Haram group and rival Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) splinter group have often carried out attacks in the area, burning down villages, attacking military checkpoints and kidnapping residents, amid repeated claims by the government that they have been defeated.
Nigerian Army Commander said the casualty figure was much smaller because the military had recovered 10 bodies on Monday. The commander said the military closed the road to curb the insurgency.
These are the few reactions we got on social media.
I am just catching up on news of the Boko Haram attack in Borno and I am beyond horrified. And yet, every year, for four years, this government has claimed victory against the terrorists.
Buhari's hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy is killing Nigerians. This govt is madness.
— Dr Ayo Sogunro (@ayosogunro) February 11, 2020
NIGERIA wasn't this bad under Jonathan!
How can you close the "gate of Maiduguri" and offer hapless citizens as burnt offering to Boko Haram terrorists?May God take revenge against all "un- distinguished" sponsors of this wickedness!
Under Buhari, BH have grown wings!
— FestusGreen #PeterObi (@FestusGreen) February 11, 2020
Today, Borno State in mourning of those, families & beloved ones, who were brutally killed by Boko Haram sects in Auno. Our thoughts & prayers are also with those women & children out there who were been abducted by the horrendous sect at the attack💔. What a sad & tragic moment.
— Mai Borno🐧 (@MohammedYauba) February 11, 2020
This latest Boko Haram attack hurts deeply — cos it was preventable.
These innocent civilians were locked out of Maiduguri by the military that should protect them. Technically, they were fed to BH.
Curfew or not, the military should always be available to protect the people.
— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) February 10, 2020
IS EITHER THE NORTH BREAKS SILENCE OR HYPOCRISY STRANGLED US ALL.
Yesterday commuters were denied access into the town of maiduguri because they arrived AUNO around 6:05pm and the road is normally closed by 6pm.
Boko haram attacked these commuters around 9:45pm…
Thread. pic.twitter.com/evnyd5CQsJ
— Abu Amir (@SadiqMaunde) February 10, 2020