The armed attackers invaded the village with firearms but decided to kill their victims using knives to avoid attracting attention to their presence by other residents.

According to a report by Vanguard, the Chief Imam that was killed, Ustaz Goni Bukar Tabare, was the brother of Mallam Goni Kundube, a popular politician in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno state.

The attack, which took place only about 15 kilometres away from Magumeri LGA, was confirmed by the area's Caretaker Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Abdulkadir, who said, "Five people were slaughtered, including the Chief Imam of Kurmiri village. We regretted this attack and we Pray Allah (God) grant Aljanul Firduas to the souls of the deceased and their families to bear the irreparable loss.

"I want to commend the effort of our Civilian JTF members, security agencies for their prompt action which led to the apprehension of one of the attackers.

"I also want to urge members of the general public not to panic, but go about their businesses as the situation is under control."

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The Magumeri LGA has witnessed a series of violent attacks culminating in 2017's bloodiest attack when at least 69 people, including soldiers and civilians, died after an ambush of an oil exploration team.