Boko Haram kills 22 vigilante group members in Borno

Members of dreaded sect, Boko Haram, have killed 22 members of the Borno Youth Vigilance Group.
A report by the Defence Headquarters on Tuesday equally said a number of women and children were killed in the unprovoked attack.
The vigilance group members were killed on Saturday in Dawashi and Mainok communities in Borno State.
Eighteen other members of the vigilance group were also injured.
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, who confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, said the attack on the communities was sequel to the loss of camps by the Boko Haram members.
Olukolade said the Special Forces in the area have been directed to provide security for the communities.
Olukolade said in the statement: “A large scale shooting and murder by terrorists of over 22 and infliction of varying degree of injuries on over 18 members of Borno Youth Vigilance Group in Dawashi and Mainok in Borno State last Saturday has been reported.  It is also believed that a number of other innocent civilians mostly women, children and elderly were killed in the unprovoked attack.
“The incidents which followed separate attacks on the group and the two communities are consistent with the new pattern of operations by the terrorists after the loss of their camps. This practice of laying ambush or attacking innocent civilians by terrorists lately is meant to intimidate Nigerians who have rejected the activities of terrorists in the communities.
“The Special Forces have been directed to ensure that the perpetrators of the recent incidents are tracked down and the manhunt for them is in progress accordingly.  Meanwhile more troops and equipment are being deployed into the operation to ensure better coverage and protection of communities in the operational area.
“All citizens are enjoined to maintain high level of vigilance and continue to cooperate with security forces in the operation.   Members of the vigilance group in particular are being counseled to endeavor to work only under the strict guidance and protection of the security forces on ground in their localities.
“The Defence Headquarters appreciates the determination of Nigerians particularly individuals and communities who have offered assistance and are working in support of the counter-terrorism operations in spite of the desperate activities of the few bands of marauding insurgents.”