Boko Haram abducts 60 women

Maiduguri, Nigeria: Suspected Boko Haram militants have abducted more than 60 women and girls, some as young as three years of age, in the latest kidnappings in northeast Nigeria and over two months since more than 200 schoolgirls were seized.

 

Analysts said that the kidnapping, which happened during a raid on Kummabza village in Damboa district of Borno state, could be an attempt by the Islamist group to refocus attention on its demands for the release of militant fighters.

 

Boko Haram has indicated that it would be willing to release the 219 schoolgirls that it has held hostage since April 14 in exchange for the freedom of its brothers in arms currently held in Nigerian jails. Nigeria initially refused to sanction any deal but efforts have since been made to open talks with the group.

 

The military in Abuja said in a tweet late on Monday that it could not confirm the latest abductions. But a senior government officer said: “Over 60 women were hijacked and forcefully taken away by the terrorists.”