By Ahmed Kingimi
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Suspected Boko Haram Islamist militants killed at least 18 villagers who had gone into the bush to collect firewood in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, local leaders and security sources said.
• Other villagers were still missing after the attack on Thursday in Marte Local Government Area, one of the areas hardest hit by a 17-year-old insurgency.
• Armed groups — some seeking to carve out a Caliphate in the region, others seeking plunder or ransoms and recruits from kidnappings — have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions in regular raids.
• Villagers have come under attack as they stray into rebel areas while pushing into the bush for farming and firewood.
• The traditional ruler of Marte said 18 bodies had been recovered after the attackers ambushed the villagers.
• A senior military officer said troops had launched clearance operations in the area and were pursuing the attackers.
• The insurgency in northeastern Nigeria is led mainly by Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province.
(Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
