Boko Haram Abducts Women: Dozens More Females Reportedly Kidnapped

Boko Haram, the Nigerian terrorist group accused of kidnapping hundreds of girls in April, has reportedly abducted dozens more women in Adamawa state, according to the BBC.

The group reportedly attacked Wagga village over the weekend, kidnapping 40 women, the International Business Times reported. The militants also killed dozens in the towns of Damboa and Sabon Gida, as well as in the village of Shaffa.

The abductions overshadowed news of a reported ceasefire between the Nigerian government and Boko Haram on Friday, IBT reported, though terrorist group leader Abubakar Shekau has yet to release a formal statement about a break in tensions.

"The leader is the only person they respect and listen to," Nigerian civil rights activist Shehu Sani told Nigeria's Premium Times of Shekau, according to IBT. "Any statement that is not coming from the leader of the group cannot be said to be credible and will not be complied with by the group member."

Boko Haram has said in the past it is fighting against the westernization in Nigeria and wants to impose its version of Sharia law in the country. The group has been warring in numerous cities in the northern portion of the country in an effort to slowly control more and more land.

Boko Haram has regularly bombed public places and stepped up its attacks in an effort to turn religiously mixed Nigeria into an Islamic state, Reuters reported. Its attacks have killed hundreds throughout the country.

Nigeria boasts Africa's largest economy and is also the continent's top oil producer, making it a tempting target and a rich prize for a terrorist group like Boko Haram. Bauchi police spokesman Haruna Mohammed said, according to Reuters, that the group's latest attack is being investigated.

"Five persons burned beyond recognition were certified dead, while 12 others sustained various degrees of injuries," Mohammed said in a statement. "The entire surrounding (area) has been cordoned off . . . No arrest has yet been made."

Forbes reported Wednesday that talks to secure the release of more than 200 girls the terrorist group abducted in April were ongoing despite claims that their release could be coming soon.

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