Over 40 killed in Nigeria college attack

Suspected Islamist gunmen killed at least 40 students as they sleep in Nigerian college.

By Nicole Hamer |

14:53 30 September 2013

On Sunday, about 1am local time, suspected Islamist gunmen have reportedly stormed a dormitory in the town of Gujba in Yobe state and fired on students as they slept. 

 

At least 40 were confirmed dead. However, college provost Molima Idi Mato, said that the number of dead can rise as security forces are still recovering bodies. 

 

Boko Haram insurgent group is now being blamed by the military for the attack. Boko Haram translates to “Western Education is forbidden.” The group said that it is fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria but the group is believed to be composed of number of factions with different goals according a report by Sky News. 

 

Mr Mato confirmed that there were about 1,000 students had fled the scene and that there was no security force stationed at the college despite being just 25 miles away from Damaturu town where similar school attacks took place. 

 

Following an incident on July 6th where militants killed a teacher and 29 pupils, most schools in the area were closed. However, two weeks ago, Mohammed Lamin, the state commissioner for education, promised protection from police and soldiers and urged all the schools to open.