Boko Haram fighters mass in Gwoza, several residents killed

KANO, Nigeria: Boko Haram militants have been amassing in the northeast Nigeria town of Gwoza, believed to be the group’s headquarters, killing residents who were unable to flee, a senator and witnesses said on Thursday.
A female resident who fled Gwoza on Tuesday and requested anonymity said the insurgents rounded up elderly men who were reciting the Holy Quran outside the home of a local cleric.
The men were later executed in front of their wives, the witness told AFP from Yola, capital of neighbouring Adamawa state.
“The Boko Haram men brought out brand new guns from cartons, tested them and shot dead all the men who they forced to lie face down,” she said.
Some of these details were supported by area Senator Ali Ndume, who also confirmed the large build-up of insurgents in Gwoza.
“Boko Haram insurgents have in recent days been converging in Gwoza where they killed many male residents and chased women and children out of the town,” said Ndume.