In wake of deadly Boko Haram attacks Nigerians feel forgotten

Security and medical officials said the remains of a dozen victims were burnt beyond recognition in Saturday's attack when militants opened fire on residents, set fire to houses and targeted a crowd with suicide bombers.

The attack was perpetrated against the community of Dalori in Borno State.

It was the third attack this week suspected to have been carried out by the insurgent group - and the most deadly. 

Father Patrick Alumuku, director of communications of Abuja Diocese told Linda Bordoni that Nigerians feel the international community should provide support in this difficult time.

Listen to the interview: 

Fr Alumuku explains that since it started losing control of territory thanks to intensified military action and a new strategy, Boko Haram has reverted to hit-and-run attacks on villages as well as suicide bombings on places of worship or markets.

Borno State is the heartland of the seven-year insurgency that seeks to establish an Islamist state. 

Alumuku speaks of the over 2 million people who have been displaced, tens of thousands of them forced to seek shelter in camps near the city of Maiduguri and even as far away as Abuja.

He says that only the Church and other small groups are helping support the thousands of people in the camps.

Alumuku says the Cardinal of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan as well as the bishops and priests have visited the displaced and continue to do what they can providing food and other basic necessities. 

He speaks of the feeling of isolation and lack of support Nigerians feel as neither the international community of the African Unity is offering support or solidarity.

"Many feel that at a moment such as this we have been abandoned by the international community - if you could only see what the diplaced people are going through..." he says.

And as for the African Union, he says that when there are crises in other nations it is the Nigerian community that helps out, and so now "with the great amount of difficulties the goverrnment has had to counter the insurgency, prevent the spread of violence and try to provide some support to the displaced the African community could do much more, no matter how little". 

Powered by WPeMatico