The fear is palpable in northeast Nigeria as Boko Haram intensifies its war on civilians. The military’s regular claim that the jihadists are on the run is patently false, and provides no comfort to anyone.

Instead, this is the reality.

– Since January, there have been at least 83 suicide bombings by children – a figure four times higher than last year.

– Of the four roads leading out of Maiduguri, the main city in the northeast, only the Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano road is adjudged safe.

– In rural areas, people are not able to venture more than four kilometres out of the main towns in each local government area because of insecurity.

– In Maiduguri’s mosques, people now pray in relay. As one group prays, another keeps watch to guard against suicide bombers.

More: https://www.naijiant.com/guestcolumn/exposing-nigerian-militarys-false-claims-defeating-boko-haram/

chai