Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have launched a deadly attack on the quiet community of Kwari in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State.
Pastor Luka Levong of the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) became a victim, alongside five others, during the assault that occurred around 2:00 am on Friday.
Distraught residents, who evacuated the casualties to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, reported that the attackers mercilessly shot Pastor Levong and his church treasurer, Maina Abdullahi.
The assailants continued their rampage, killing five more individuals in separate houses before security forces could intervene.
The attackers were also said to have set ablaze numerous houses, including a church, and vehicles.
As at the time of filing this report, both the military and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) have not issued statements on the incident, and attempts to obtain comments from them have been unsuccessful.
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Geidam, situated 177 kilometers from Damaturu, the state capital, and 40 kilometers from the Nigeria/Niger Republic border, now bears the scars of this brutal attack.
This tragedy follows closely on the heels of another Boko Haram assault in a neighboring Yobe State community.
In the Gartamawa community of Chibok Local Government Area, 12 people lost their lives, and two sustained injuries during an attack on New Year’s celebration.
The terrorists, armed with AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, and Hilux vans, opened fire on mourners returning from the celebration.
The persistent brutality of Boko Haram has left a devastating impact, with over 40,000 lives lost and more than two million people displaced since the group initiated its rebellion in 2009.
The insurgency has extended its reach into Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, leading to the formation of a regional military force to counter the militants.
