Boko Haram extends its kidnapping spree

Nigeria’s Islamic extremists Boko Haram pushed their conflict further into neighbouring countries with attacks on Cameroon and Niger, abducting more than 30 people including those aboard a packed bus.

Three Cameroonian towns were attacked and in Niger, the town of Diffa was attacked for the third time in recent days.

To battle Boko Haram, nearby countries have pledged to send troops to help Nigeria squash the militant group that killed more than 10,000 people last year. Nearly a year ago Boko Haram abducted more than 200 Nigerian girls who are still missing.

In northern Cameroon, the fighters seized a bus with 20 people aboard in Koza late on Sunday and then drove it back toward the Nigerian border, some 11 miles away, resident Bouba Kaina said.

Yesterday, another Cameroonian town, Kolofata, was attacked by extremists who looted food and livestock. The town had been retaken by Chadian troops who have been helping Cameroon fight Boko Haram.

In Niger, Diffa was attacked overnight, the third attack since Friday on the town which has tens of thousands of refugees who have fled Boko Haram’s attacks elsewhere.

“Gunfire and heavy explosions were heard throughout the night until the early hours of the morning,” said Adam Boukar, who runs a radio station in Diffa.