Violence in Nigeria shows no signs of slowing down. A fresh wave of attacks by Boko Haram militants leaves scores dead as four more villages fall.
"A massive slaughter reported in northeastern Nigeria. Witnesses there say nearly 200 civilians were killed by Boko Haram militants." (Via WFLD)
"Witnesses say Boko Haram militants dressed as soldiers slaughtered at least 200 civilians." (Via WKRG)
"A community leader who witnessed the killings said neighbors pleaded for the military to send soldiers after hearing the militants were about to attack, but help never came." (Via KREM)
The attacks happened Monday in Nigeria's Borno state. Boko Haram targeted areas where religious leaders have spoken out against the insurgents. (Via ENCA)
It's been reported the Nigerian government knew the attacks were imminent but failed to send any additional help to the remote communities. Premium Times reports poor communication and villagers' pleas for military help gave Boko Haram the advantage.
One witness describes the scene when Boko Haram arrived disguised as soldiers.
"We all felt relieved that at last the military had arrived, so we went to them and they told us that 'we are soldiers and we are here to protect you all.' When they saw that a sizeable number of us had converged ... then they began to fire at the people continuously." (Via Premium Times)
Despite Monday's massacre, NBC reported Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan vowed a "total war" against Boko Haram's extremism. Villagers blame the government's pushback for a recent increase in Boko Haram violence.
However, the president might have to deal with challenges inside his own military while moving forward.
Several sources including The Globe and Mail report an unconfirmed story in which 15 Nigerian military officers, including 10 generals, have been arrested on disloyalty charges. They're accused of aiding Boko Haram and supplying weapons. A spokesperson for the Nigerian government denies the arrests ever happened. (Via The Guardian)
Many Nigerians have sought shelter in neighboring Cameroon to escape the violence. The Islamist group now controls seven villages in Nigeria's northeastern region.
