Nigeria Boko Haram: Gunmen slit throats of four women in latest attack in Borno

Gunmen believed to be part of Boko Haram terror group have killed at least four women by slitting their throats during an attack in Mairari village, in Nigeria's restive Borno state. Witnesses said at least 14 gunmen stormed the village on seven motorcycles on Saturday (11 June) and picked four women, aged between 27 and 45, and killed them in front of the other villagers.

"They went into four homes while residents were breaking their fast around 7:00 pm, brought out the four women and slaughtered them," Babakura Kolo, a member of a vigilante group based in Maiduguri, Borno's capital, told AFP.

"We believe the killings were targeted, the gunmen were from all indications after the husbands of the women.They killed the women when they didn't find their husbands."

The latest attack in Borno came as US officials said they would not send troops to West Africa to help the region in the fight against Boko Haram, after claiming there was no evidence of a real link between the Nigerian terrorists and the Islamic State (Isis/Daesh) terror group.

This contradicts a previous statement made by another US official, who warned in May 2015 the link between the two groups was a cause for concern and could undermine peace and stability in West Africa.

Regional offensive

Nigeria is heading an ongoing regional offensive against Boko Haram. The task forceconsists of 8,700 troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin.

The group has scored some successes, such as the recapture of several territories and the release of thousands of civilians previously held captive.

Although Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari, declared a technical victory over the insurgents in December 2015, Boko Haram has continued to carry out attacks with security experts warning underlying issues such as disenfranchisement, poverty and strong links with IS continue to pose major threats to stability in the region.