By: Danielle L. Gwozdz
Impunity Watch News Reporter, Africa

ABUJA, Nigeria – There are reports of a “massive” attack in northern Nigeria in the town of Bama. This occurred after the presidential spokesman said the army was “winning the war” against Islamist militants.

 

The attack on Bama lasted four hours on Wednesday morning.

Several thousands have lost their lives since the Boko Haram uprising which began in 2009.

Residents have contacted BBC to report the attack, but details of the attack are still unclear.

Last year, a state of emergency was called in Borno and in two neighboring states. Thousands of extra troops were sent into the region, but the attacks have continued despite this effort.

BBC has stated that the army sometimes takes hours to even respond to an attack by Islamist militants. This allows the militants to kill; destroy homes, schools, and mosques; and loot before retreating.

On Saturday, 106 people were killed in an attack.

Governor Kashim Shettima called in for reinforcements for these attacks, but said the insurgents were “better armed and better motivated” than the security forces.

Governor Shettima has said that “it is absolutely impossible for us to defeat Boko Haram.”

This statement, however, was denied.

Another stated that Nigeria’s army was one of the best equipped in Africa, going against Shettima’s statement.

“We state authoritatively without any fear or equivocation whatsoever that Nigeria is already winning the war against terror and the activities of the insurgents will be terminated within the shortest possible time,” a spokesman said.

For more information, please visit:

BBC News – Nigeria’s Boko Haram crisis: Bama attack mars victory claims – 19 February 2014
Myjoyonline – Boko Haram attack mars Nigeria’s victory claims – 19 February 2014
Wopular – Attack Mars Nigeria’s Victory Claims – 19 February 2014
DailyPost – Boko Haram: Shettima replies Presidency, says FG insensitive to plight of Borno State – 19 February 2014