Boko Haram Takes Over Town in NE Nigeria

Boko Haram conquered the town of Gwoza, in Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria, causing the flight of more than 11,000 inhabitants, Fides reported.

The conquest of the town reflects the Nigerian bishops' alert that the Boko Haram terrorist group is changing strategy, not limiting itself to attacks but now looking to control areas of Nigeria.

Gwoza is located at the border with Cameroon, whose territory is increasingly threatened by the activities of Boko Haram, as demonstrated by the abduction of foreign nationals (including priests and religious nuns) that have occurred in the last year.

According to the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs since May 2013 (when the Nigerian government declared a state of emergency in the States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe) to date, more than 650,000 people have been forced to flee the violence of Boko Haram .