Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

Members of the proscribed Boko Haram sect rained terror on Kwada village, Borno State on Sunday as they attacked five churches, killing scores of worshipers and burning down houses.

Kwada is just 10 kilometres from Chibok where over 200 school girls were abducted in April by members of the terrorist group.

According to residents of the village, the terrorists targeted the churches during the regular Sunday worship when members were high in attendance and among the churches affected were the COCIN, EYN and the Deeper Life Bible Church.

A villager, who simply identified himself as Mallam Yahi, told journalists in Maiduguri that after attacking Kwada, the terrorists advanced to Kautikari, which is less than 8 kilometres to Chibok town, also killing and burning down houses and properties.

“As at now we do not know about the efforts of the security agents, whether they are on ground or not but all our people, those who can flee, have run into the bush and are being pursued by the murderers,” he said.

It was gathered that following the news of the attack, people living in Chibok town took to their heels for fear that they might also be attacked in fulfilment of the several threat letters they had received from the group.

A top local government official in Chibok town, who did not want to be named, told journalists on Sunday afternoon that “our people have fled into the bushes and we can only appeal that security men are immediately drafted to the town and environs.”

He lamented that on receiving the threat letter two weeks ago, they had gone to the police seeking maximum protection but alleged that the residents were told that the policemen may have logistics problem.

The situation on Sunday made most churches in Maiduguri go into emergency prayer session, asking for God’s intervention.