‘Several’ feared killed, abducted in Boko Haram raid

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Several people and animals were killed and many houses razed early Tuesday during a Boko Haram attack in a town in the northeastern Nigerian state of Adamawa -- one of the three states worst hit by the insurgents so far--, according to a federal lawmaker.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency by phone, lawmaker Adamu Kamale said Boko Haram attacked the Pallam community in the town of Madagali, which was completely occupied by Boko Haram at the height of the insurgency between 2013 and early 2015.

“The attack, according to my constituents who briefed me about it, led to the killing of several people and livestock. Many houses were also burnt while at least nine people are believed to have been abducted by the terrorists,” Kamale said.

He said he could not ascertain the exact figure of the people killed in the attack, which he insisted “has now become routine in my constituency. I can tell you that Wanu and Kamale towns were [also] recently attacked and people were killed.”

Abba Kolo, a local journalist from Madagali, confirmed the development to Anadolu Agency.

“The attack started around 11 p.m. and didn't end until around 4 a.m., when we heard troops being deployed to the area. We learnt that people were killed while many men were kidnapped at gunpoint,” Kolo said.

Adamawa police spokesman Othman Abubakar told Anadolu Agency by phone that he had heard of the incident. “We are trying to get further details from the divisional police department of Madagali," he said.

Despite claims to the contrary by the Nigerian authorities, analysts insist that Boko Haram remains a security threat that might take years to eradicate.

Separately, in a video posted Monday, a Boko Haram factional chief, Abubakar Shekau, claimed the group had downed a military jet of the country's air force in Borno, among other purported exploits. The air force confirmed that an aircraft had crashed last week but did not disclose how the mishap had occurred.