Boko Haram kill up to 150 in ambush

  • 19/08/2015
Nigerian military have weakened Boko Haram, but the terror group remain in control of some areas of the country (Photo: Reuters)
Nigerian military have weakened Boko Haram, but the terror group remain in control of some areas of the country (Photo: Reuters)

Up to 150 people have drowned in a river or been shot dead while fleeing Boko Haram gunmen who raided a remote village in Nigeria.

"Boko Haram gunmen attacked our village on Thursday, which led to the deaths of around 150 people. Most of the victims died in the river while trying to escape," said Bukar Tijjani, a resident from Kukuwa-Gari in the country's northeast.

News of the attack took five days to emerge because the militants have destroyed telecommunications masts around the village, 50km from Yobe State capital Damaturu, since the insurgency began in 2009.

According to eye-witness reports, dozens of militants entered Kukuwa-Gari on motorcycles before shooting at the villagers.

"They opened fire instantly, which forced residents to flee. Unfortunately many residents who tried to flee plunged into the river which is full from the rain. Many drowned," said resident Modu Balumi.

The number of people killed remains unclear, with some reports suggesting the death toll could be well over 60.

AFP