Boko Haram Extremists Kill at Least 37 in Yobe, Nigeria, Following 18-Month Period of Peace

Boko Haram's latest attack in Yobe's Geidam district involves shooting spree and land mine blast, ending over a year of peace in the district and raising concerns over the government's ineffective handle on security crises.

• Boko Haram extremists killed at least 37 people in two separate attacks in Yobe's Geidam district, marking the first major attack in the region in 18 months. The attacks involved a shooting spree and a land mine blast.
• The attacks underscore the Nigerian government's ongoing struggles to combat security crises across the country, particularly in northeastern Nigeria where Boko Haram has waged a 14-year insurgency, resulted in over 35,000 deaths and displaced more than 2 million people.
• The first attack took place in the remote village Gurokayeya in Geidam, where gunmen killed 17 villagers. The following day, 20 people who attended the victims' burial were killed by a land mine explosion.
• Contrasting reports suggest the death toll could exceed 40, however, official numbers have not been confirmed. These are considered some of the most horrific Boko Haram attacks in recent times.
• The Yobe state government has convened an emergency security meeting in response to the attacks and has deployed additional security to the area. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the government's ability to prevent future extremist infiltrations.

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