By Konye Obaji Ori
Nigerian Islamic group Boko Haram at the weekend kidnapped over 10 Cameroonians including the wife of the country’s deputy prime minister, and mayor of a town.
Cameroon’s northern town of Kolofata was attacked on Sunday by Boko Haram militants who kidnapped and killed local leaders and residents.
“I can confirm that the home of Vice Prime Minister Amadou Ali in Kolofata came under a savage attack from Boko Haram militants,” Reuters quoted Cameroon’s communications minister, Issa Tchiroma.
“They unfortunately took away his wife. They also attacked the Lamido’s residence [residence of the local religious leader and town’s mayor] and he was also kidnapped.
“At least three people were killed in the attack.” [eap_ad_2] Boko Haram’s insurgency spread into Cameroon, in recent weeks.
The Cameroon government deployed troops to its northern region, joining international efforts to combat the militants.
However, the kidnapping of the wife of the deputy prime minister and local town mayor adds a new twist to the Boko Haram insurgency and mission.
During the attack on the town of Kolofata security officials were able to protect the deputy prime minister, and led him to safety in a neighboring town. His wife was not be protected.
The deputy prime minister and his wife were in Kolofata to celebrate the Muslim feast of Ramadan.
The Sunday attack on Kolofata is the third Boko Haram attack in Cameroon in three days.
With Boko Haram now involved in international kidnappings and attacks on foreign soil, scholars have been urged to reassess the group’s mission and motives. (The Africa Reported Report)[eap_ad_3]
