A terrorist group known as Boko Haram has been a thorn in the side of Nigerians for the last several years. From their base in the impoverished north of Nigeria, they appear to be growing stronger and more bold.
The Islamic extremists have escalated their efforts in recent years in a blood-thirsty bid to force their brand of sharia law on the region.
The increasing threat of Boko Haram-based terrorism is worrying to many Nigerians. The group seems to be strengthening despite all government efforts to oust them.
Boko Haram has already taken credit for a devastating bomb that destroyed a bus station in the Nigerian capital on Monday.
The bombing in Abuja is reported to have killed at least 75 people.
Rush-hour bomb blast at bus station outside Nigeria's capital kills dozens. http://t.co/cqYL01eS20 (Reuters) pic.twitter.com/V7MItwkZau
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) April 14, 2014
Within hours of the explosion, members of Boko Haram are said to have kidnapped dozens of young girls.
A total of 129 Nigerian school girls were taken at gunpoint from their school in the northeastern state of Borno. The kidnapping is said to have occurred at night.
Some girls fled the terrorists immediately, jumping onto the backs of trucks to get away as the group was being moved by the kidnappers. Others pretended to have to use the bathroom and escaped when they were far away enough from their captors.
A total of 44 girls were able to flee, but there are still 85 girls that are missing at present. Their parents are desperately scouring the bush for them, pooling together what little money and resources they have to find their missing children.
They knew of a nearby Boko Haram stronghold where they might be, but the locals warned the parents that the terrorists would murder anyone that came near.
Nigerian military officials say that a rescue effort is underway, however residents remain skeptical.
While d Fed. Govt and its security chiefs have perfected how to write condolence speeches, BOKO HARAM continues to grow. #HypeLee
— #HypeLee (@StarBROPE) April 20, 2014
If you lot knew the people behind Boko Haram, you would stop praying for Nigeria. Prayer can't save Nigeria. Need a Revolution.
— Samson Falodun (@SammyShoots) April 20, 2014
The loss of faith occurred following a report by government officials claiming that most of the girls were safe. Disappointed locals also say they see no signs of a military build up or preparation for action.
Many in the area are uncertain exactly how committed the military is to fighting the growing threat of the Boko Haram in the region.
A bomb blast in Nigeria killed 71 people. More in today's @vicenews capsule: http://t.co/Yr7o9aFH92 pic.twitter.com/i5k8A2eR3U
— VICE News (@vicenews) April 15, 2014
Image via YouTube
