B’Haram killed thousands, held girls as sex slaves – Amnesty

Amnesty International has revealed the devastating impact of Boko Haram on North-East Nigeria since 2009. The human rights organization claims that the insurgent group has killed thousands, abducted thousands more, and forced over two million civilians to flee their homes. In a recent post on their X account, Amnesty International detailed the group's atrocities, which included the abduction of hundreds of girls, turning them into sex slaves, and subjecting communities to years of killings, bombings, looting, and destruction.

The human rights organization explained that Boko Haram, whose full name is Jamā'atu Ahlis Sunnah Lādda’awatih wal-Jihad, emerged in 2002 as a religious movement dedicated to establishing a society based on its interpretation of Islam. The group, commonly referred to as Boko Haram, which translates to "Western education is forbidden," initially targeted villagers to preach its ideology.

It instructed adherents to reject loyalty to the government and follow their version of Islam, sometimes offering the choice between death or joining the group. However, the organization noted that fighters typically resorted to shooting or beheading civilians.

Amnesty International noted that Boko Haram's relentless attacks have caused widespread devastation across the region. The group's actions have disrupted the lives of millions, crippling normal life in several parts of the North-East. The organization detailed how the insurgents pillaged communities and destroyed essential infrastructure such as schools, churches, mosques, and other public buildings, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake.