By Aiyeku Timothy
Boko Haram insurgents killed at least seven people in a Christmas Eve attack on a village called Pemi in Borno state, on Thursday.
The insurgents had stormed the area in trucks and motorcycles, shooting “indiscriminately” and setting buildings on fire.
Pemi is located only 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Chibok, where Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls six years ago.
The insurgents, who drove from the group’s nearby Sambisa forest enclave, looted medical supplies from a hospital before setting it ablaze, the militia leader said, adding they also burnt a church and abducted a priest.
A militia leader, Abwaku Kabu, said “The terrorists killed seven people, burnt 10 homes and looted food supplies that were meant to be distributed to residents to celebrate Christmas.”
A community leader, Ayuba Alamson, also confirmed that a body was found missing on Friday morning, raising the number of dead to seven.
However, it is feared that the toll could rise as villagers fled into the bush during the attack and some people are still unaccounted for.
This attack is coming after the Department of State Services, (DSS) issued a warning on Tuesday about planned attacks during the festive period.
The DSS asked Nigerians “to be extra vigilant and report strange movements” while assuring that it was “collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure that adequate measures are put in place for the protection of lives and property.”
