At least 25 people have been killed in two separate terrorist attacks in northeastern Nigeria, according to reports by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The attacks happened in the towns of Madagali and Hong, located in Adamawa State near the border with Cameroon. Local officials say the violence is believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram, an armed group that has been active in the region since 2009.
In Madagali, gunmen reportedly arrived on motorcycles and opened fire at a busy market, killing 21 people. Some victims may have died while trying to escape into nearby bushes. The attackers also looted the market, stealing food and motorcycles before leaving.
In nearby Hong, four more people were killed, including three soldiers and one woman. Residents say security forces are now present, but fear is spreading. Some families have already begun leaving the town, worried about more attacks.
The governor of Adamawa State, Adamu Umaru Fintiri, strongly condemned the violence. He promised that authorities would not allow terrorists to destroy efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.
Since 2009, attacks by Boko Haram and groups linked to Islamic State have killed more than 40,000 people and forced about two million others to flee their homes in northeastern Nigeria, according to the United Nations. The country continues to struggle with insecurity caused by multiple armed groups in the north.
SOURCE : TRT AFRICA
