50 die in Nigeria church attacks in Chibok, Borno State

An attack on churches in north-east Nigeria blamed on Boko Haram killed more than 50 people, an official said on Monday, overshadowing festivities ahead of a last-16 World Cup match against France.

Gunmen stormed Sunday services in four villages near Chibok in Borno state where Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls on April 14.

They hurled explosives into churches, torched buildings and fired on worshippers as they tried to flee, residents said.

“So far we have 54 dead,” said a Borno state official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to discuss casualties with the media.

A local leader in Chibok, who also asked that his name be withheld, said residents had discovered at least 47 bodies in the surrounding bushland, but told AFP the search was ongoing and figures were still being collated.

Federal government spokesman Mike Omeri confirmed Monday that “a number of people were killed” but said he had not yet received an official casualty report from the local government and could not discuss specifics.

Locals have accused the military of ignoring distress calls made after the attack began, leaving them defenceless during the attack, but Omeri said: “I was... reliably informed that the military and the airforce were there. Maybe a little late, but they made it there.”