Militants Strike Northeastern Nigerian Village, Leaving Dozens Dead

Boko Haram militants attacked a northeastern village in Nigeria, set the market on fire, and left at least 37 dead. The attack is believed to be retaliation for the killing of two suspected militants by local vigilantes. Villagers are still missing with the death toll possibly being much higher.

Suspected Boko Haram Islamist militants launched an attack on a northeastern Nigerian village, killing at least 37 people. The assailants arrived on motorcycles, opened fire on a market, and set homes and shops ablaze.

Local residents reported that the death toll could be significantly higher as many villagers remain missing, presumably chased into the bush by the attackers. The assault occurred in Mafa village, Yobe State, a region heavily affected by the insurgency that has plagued Nigeria for 15 years.

A Yobe police spokesperson indicated the attack was likely in retaliation for the killing of two suspected Boko Haram members by local vigilantes. Following the massacre, the military recovered 37 bodies, though locals estimate the death toll may exceed 100. The military managed to defuse explosives planted by the attackers on the route to the village.

(With inputs from agencies.)