Boko Haram suspected behind killing of 5 traders in NE Nigeria

Five people were killed early this week in an attack suspected to be carried out by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno, local residents said Thursday.

The deceased were suspected to have been ambushed by their assailants in Jawu district located about 20 km away from the Borno State capital, Maiduguri, said a resident identified as Malam Bawa.

Ashir Gafar, another resident, said the victims' corpses were found by a search party formed by youths of the area who were prompted by an information that some traders were missing since Monday. The resident said the bodies have been deposited in a local hospital.

"Some 13 traders had gone on an expedition early this week but only eight returned to tell the story of their harrowing experience in an attack carried out by suspected Boko Haram militants," he said.

Nigeria's government said it has "technically" defeated the ruthless Boko Haram group operating in the West African country since 2009.

Early Wednesday, the group launched multiple suicide attacks in Chibok town of Borno State, killing at least 13 people and injured almost 30. Endit