Militants linked to the Islamic State group (ISWAP) attacked mourners in Kwaple village, Borno state, northeast Nigeria, on Monday, killing at least 15 people, according to community leaders and residents.
The insurgents, riding motorcycles, opened fire on villagers gathered for a community leader’s funeral and pursued fleeing residents into the bush.
A local leader reported the recovery of 15 bodies, with fears the death toll could rise as others remain missing.
ISWAP claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they killed 20 people and a Nigerian army spy in a separate incident, also releasing photos of burning buildings.
This attack is part of a recent escalation of violence in the region, with over 50 people killed last week alone.
Kwaple is near Chibok, the town where Boko Haram abducted over 200 schoolgirls in 2014.
Despite a military presence, attacks persist, often originating from the nearby Sambisa Forest, which ISWAP seized in 2021 after splitting from Boko Haram in 2016.
Borno state governor recently noted the regrouping of Boko Haram and ISWAP in key areas due to “military setbacks.”
The 16-year conflict in the region has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and the displacement of around two million people, also affecting neighboring countries.
