At least eight people were killed in an attack on a church by suspected members of Islamist militant group Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria on Sunday, local residents said on Monday.
The attack was carried out shortly after the morning service in Kwamjilari village, just about 30 kilometers east of Chibok town in Borno state.
The armed attackers were riding on bicycles.
“Some of the worshippers remained around the church and the gunmen opened fire and eight men died,” AFP reports Luka Damina to say from nearby Kautikeri village, where locals fled.
“Unknown to the residents, the gunmen had stationed some of their comrades on the road leading out of the village and they shot anyone who tried to flee.
“Many people ran into the bush with gunshot wounds. But so far we can only confirm eight deaths.”
The attackers also set homes on fire as well as maize farms that were almost ready for harvest.
A similar attack in the area last month left 10 people dead and saw 13 others kidnapped, while homes were looted and set on fire.
