Suspected Boko Haram terrorists brutally killed 17 youths for refusing to pay taxes to the insurgents in Gurokayeya village, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State. According to a security source who spoke anonymously, the terrorists invaded the village on Monday, gathering the residents and executing 21 selected youths aged between 20 to 30.
The victims were shot at close range, with 17 of them dying instantly, while the remaining four were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The attackers spared young children and the elderly during their assault.
The insurgents’ action followed repeated warnings to the villagers to pay the imposed taxes, which had gone unheeded. After the heinous act, the terrorists issued another stern warning to the villagers about the dire consequences of tax evasion before leaving the scene.
Babagana Aisami Geidam, a human rights activist from Yobe state, confirmed the incident, stating that 16 of the victims had been buried according to Islamic rites.
Captain Muhammad Shehu, the Assistant Director of Public Relations at the Office of the Operation Lafiya Dole, verified the attack. He mentioned that the terrorists alleged the villagers were providing information to the troops, assisting them in locating the insurgents’ hideouts.
The attackers saw this act as a betrayal, leading them to target the villagers. Although an accurate casualty count was not provided, military personnel have been deployed, and the situation has been brought under control.
IMAGE: Punch
