ADVERTISEMENT

Terrorist attacks kill 400 since April: Amnesty

The increasing use of suicide bombers -- often young women and girls forced to carry and detonate explosives in crowded areas -- has killed at least 381 civilians in the two countries, the rights group said in a statement.

"Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can," said Alioune Tine, Amnesty International's director for West and Central Africa.

"This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians... Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror."

Amnesty said at least 223 civilians died in Nigeria since April, underscoring that the real toll could be far higher.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Between May and August, seven times more civilians were killed than in the preceding four months, while 100 civilians were killed in August alone," it said.

Boko Haram is waging an insurgency in a bid to establish a hardline Islamist state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in violence since 2009 and more than 2.6 million people have been left homeless.

More than five million people are starving as the fighting has devastated farmland, leaving farmers unable to sow or cultivate crops for several years.

In neighbouring Cameroon, Amnesty said since April at least 158 civilians died in Boko Haram strikes, a figure four times higher than the preceding five months.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The recent spike in casualties has been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30 –- more than one per week –- carried out since the beginning of April," it said.

The deadliest attack took place in the town of Waza on July 12 when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Agunloye's ₦1 billion suit against EFCC hearing set for May 9

Agunloye's ₦1 billion suit against EFCC hearing set for May 9

Woman births quadruplets via IVF after 15 yrs, JUTH celebrates historic success

Woman births quadruplets via IVF after 15 yrs, JUTH celebrates historic success

Husband secretly films wife and posts videos on porn websites

Husband secretly films wife and posts videos on porn websites

Widow demands justice from Sanwo-Olu, 1 year after husband's murder

Widow demands justice from Sanwo-Olu, 1 year after husband's murder

Obiano's challenge to EFCC's power dismissed, medical travel approved

Obiano's challenge to EFCC's power dismissed, medical travel approved

Edo Chief Judge orders release of inmate held 4 yrs due to missing case file

Edo Chief Judge orders release of inmate held 4 yrs due to missing case file

PHOTOS: Mass protest rocks PDP HQ with 'Damagun must go' placards ahead of NEC meeting

PHOTOS: Mass protest rocks PDP HQ with 'Damagun must go' placards ahead of NEC meeting

Troops rescue pregnant Chibok girl with her 3 kids after 10 years in captivity

Troops rescue pregnant Chibok girl with her 3 kids after 10 years in captivity

BREAKING: Fed. High Court nullifies verdict upholding Ganduje's suspension as APC chairman

BREAKING: Fed. High Court nullifies verdict upholding Ganduje's suspension as APC chairman

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT