Extremists Kill 32, Kidnap Scores in Nigeria

Local Editor

54 troops sentenced to death for refusing to deploy against Boko Haram due to lack of weapons, other supplies.

Boko Haram militants killed 32 people and kidnapped scores of others in an attack on the village of Gumsuri in Nigeria's restive northeast, two local officials and a witness said Thursday.

The officials, who requested anonymity, said locals were still counting those abducted in the attack Sunday in the remote, isolated area but that the figure could pass 100 and included women and children.

"After killing our youths, the insurgents have taken away our wives and daughters," said Mukhtar Buba, who fled Gumsuri to the Borno state capital Maiduguri.

On Wednesday a Nigerian court martial sentenced to death 54 soldiers convicted of mutiny after they allegedly refused to deploy for an operation against Boko Haram extremists in the northeast, their lawyer said.

"They sentenced 54 to death and acquitted five," said prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, following a verdict in a trial that began on October 15 and was conducted behind closed doors.

Reporters were turned away from the court before the tribunal gave its verdict and military officials were not available for comment afterwards.
In a similar case in September, 12 soldiers were sentenced to death for mutiny after firing on their commanding officer in the northeast city of Maiduguri, where troops are battling against Boko Haram.

Frontline troops have consistently complained that they lack the weapons and other supplies needed to face Boko Haram in insurgent strongholds.
After Boko Haram captured a series of towns in the northeast earlier this year, the military vowed to retake all lost territory.

The 7 Division, based in Maiduguri, was tasked with leading the offensive but there are numerous reports of troops refusing to deploy.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team