Nigeria's Boko Haram Raids Borno Market; Scores Killed

Scores of people were killed in a raid by Boko Haram militants on a village market in Nigeria's northeastern Borno State, a military source said Friday.



According to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Boko Haram insurgents invaded Mainok market – located some 55km from provincial capital Maiduguri – at about 1: 30pm on Friday, opening fire on local traders and patrons.



Kashim Maina, an eyewitness, was nearby when the attack occurred.



"Our vehicle drove into the middle of Mainok from Bauchi. At about 1: 30pm, we heard a loud gunshot. Sporadic gunshots followed inside the market and people fled… to the other side of the road," Maina told AA.



He said the continuous shooting had led to chaos, with many people who fled to the road being struck by oncoming vehicles.



Another eyewitness, Kayode Ojo, a technician who had been returning to Borno State from the country's southwest, said he and other passengers narrowly escaped the shooting.



"The vehicle I boarded, like others, was trying to maneuver its way out of the confusion, since it was dangerous to stop or make a U-turn," he recalled.



"In the middle of the confusion, vehicles were hitting fleeing traders and other vehicles. Many people died in the process and many were shot dead in the market," he recalled.



"I saw people falling down. We escaped miraculously," he added.



It was not Boko Haram's first attack on Mainok. In March, the town was hit by a Boko Haram raid that left around 25 people dead.



Militants have already overrun the towns of Dikwa, Gamboru Ngala and Gwoza – all in the restive Borno State. They also currently control the towns of Buni Yadi and Bara in neighboring Yobe State.



Boko Haram's elusive leader, Abubakar Shekau, recently declared all territories under the group's control to be part of an "Islamic caliphate" in northern Nigeria.



In April, over 200 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram militants. They remain in captivity despite a local and international outcry over their uncertain fate.



Outlawed in Nigeria, Turkey and the U.S., Boko Haram has been blamed for thousands of deaths and scores of violent attacks in recent years, especially in Nigeria's restive northeastern region.



By Olarewaju Kola



englishnews@aa.com.tr



www.aa.com.tr/en - Lagos