Boko Haram killed more than 100 people in northeast Nigeria along the Cameroon border after the Chadian government raided the radical Islamic group’s hideouts. The continuous attacks incited residents in Cameroon to protest against Boko Haram.
“They targeted mainly Shuwa tribesmen, who are from the same ethnic group as a large number of the Chadian troops,” said Adum Walfannea, a resident of the Anguduram village.
Ahmed Zanna, a senator who represents the central Borno state, claimed the terrorists “killed no less than 100 people in the villages and at market places,” according to Bloomberg Business. He also said the terrorists targeted Kala Balge, Gamboru Ngala, and Dikwa villages. The attacks occurred on February 24 and 25, but residents did not report it right away due to “poor communication networks.” Some residents ran to Cameroon for refuge.
“They would ask if a person is Kanuri or Shuwa before asking him to go,” said Kurso Khala. “Once a person was identified as Shuwa he would be shot in the back as soon as he stepped out of the market entrance to leave.”
Chadian forces fought against the terrorists in Gonori after they stole over 400 cattle and killed residents.
“For more than two hours we kept hearing sounds of gunfire and explosions,” said Umar Sanda according to The Daily Star. “The Chadian troops killed scores of the Boko Haram gunmen and recovered our cattle.”
Nigeria postponed the February 14 presidential election due to Boko Haram violence. It is currently scheduled for March 28, but the continued violence could renew more fears over safety.
“I think it’s safe to say that as multi-national counter-insurgency operations continue in the northeast, Boko Haram will intensify its urban terror campaign,” said Ryan Cummings, chief Africa analyst. “Boko Haram will know that it lacks the resources or capacity to engage the Nigerian Army and its allies in conventional warfare, so its retributive attacks will increasingly focus on asymmetric warfare, which is resource-light but nevertheless damaging.”
On Saturday, citizens of Cameroon organized a march in Yaounde, which is in the middle of the country. They voiced support for the country’s army and denounced the violence caused by Boko Haram.
“It was important to tell Cameroonians that we are at war and a part of the country is suffering,” said newspaper editor Gubai Gatama. “About 150,000 people have been displaced by the conflict.”