On July 28, 2013, a vigilante operation targeting Boko Haram insurgents ended in bloodshed in Borno State after militants struck back with heavy gunfire. Five vigilantes and 20 civilians were killed.
WITHIN NIGERIA learned that vigilante leader Aliko Musa led his group into several Borno villages to hunt for suspected Boko Haram members.
According to witnesses, the team stormed compounds and carried out door-to-door searches.
While the raid was ongoing, insurgents believed to be hiding in the area opened fire with what residents described as “big fire power.” Both the vigilantes and villagers were caught in the crossfire.
Five members of Musa’s vigilante group were killed. Twenty civilians were also confirmed dead, with several others reportedly injured.
Community leaders who spoke on condition of anonymity said the attack has left the villages in mourning, and many residents have fled to nearby towns for safety.
