Boko Haram attacks kills 19 herders in northeastern Nigeria

<p>Boko Haram insurgents gunned down 19 cattle herders Saturday in northeast Nigeria, according to civilian militia sources and residents.</p> <p>Ethnic Fulani herders, besieged by a spate of armed attacks targeting their cattle, pursued Boko Haram, sparking a fierce gunfight outside Fuhe village, near Ngala close to the border with Cameroon.</p> <p>The latter were controlled by better armed terrorists, and much more trained, according to Mada, a village resident. </p> <p>According to Umar Kachalla, leader of the anti-Jihadist militia, bodies of the slain herders were brought to the police by militiamen.</p> <p>Boko Haram has increasingly targeted farmers, herders and loggers, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them. </p> <p>They have also been raiding herding communities, seizing cattle — a valuable commodity in the region — to fund their operations.</p> <p>Boko Haram and rival Islamic State West Africa Province (<span class="caps">ISWAP</span>) are known to operate in areas around Ngala and the neighbouring town of Gamboru.</p>