Cameroon kills 180 Boko Haram insurgents

Cameroon  soldiers have killed no fewer than  180 militants suspected to be members of  the  Islamist sect, Boko Haram, in the north of the country, a military source said yesterday.

The insurgents  were eliminated  during an attack at  Amchide in the north bordering Nigeria Thursday night around 8p.m.,  the Chinese news agency, Xinhua, reported.

About 400 militants  allegedly attacked the defence and security forces.

The source said there was no casualty on the Cameroon side.

The attack, which has not yet been officially declared by the authorities, came nearly two months after around 200 suspected Boko Haram militants were killed by the army in Amchide and Limani, another part of northern Cameroon October 15 and 16.

Since then, the security forces have strengthened their positions in the north by increasing the number of personnel to around 6,000.

The militants are active in the north of Cameroon, and they often attack villages in the area, pillaging properties of the villagers and sometimes taking foreign and local people as hostages.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday maintained that internal and external sabotage is greatly responsible for the onslought of the violent Islamic sect in Nigeria.

He made the remark when the Creative Professionals of Nigeria led by Segun Arinze  visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Stressing that his administration is working hard to tackle terror in the country, he was optimistic that terrorsim will soon be overcomed in Nigeria.

He said: “We have challenges at present even in our infrastructure, but we are committed to expanding it in transportation, aviation, ports, roads, power infrastructure, among others.

“One of our greatest challenges is this security challenge.  But we are working very hard; we have our frustrations; we have issues of sabotage, internal and external,  but we are working very hard and by the grace of God we will overcome the problem,” he said.

He pointed out that the artistes have been a blessing to Nigeria, as they not only help  to boost the image of the country, but have been contributing greatly to the Nigerian economy.

He said: “But you are even appreciated more outside this country. And for those of us you placed here within this period, we know the value you have been bringing to us, to governance and social issues in this country.

“Most of us, politicians, are just busy generating negative issues. Everyday, they talk about corruption, governance and other issues. It is you that pomp the positive news into the system.”

He promised that the government would continue to provide funds to assist the artiste.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Segun Arinze said that never in the history of Nigeria had any President given the creative community the attention Jonathan had given.

He said: “Never in the history of Nigeria has any leader given us the respect you have given us. Never in the history of Nigeria has any leadership given us the support you have given us. Today, as one, we have come to say a big thank you.”

According to him, the uncommon transformation of the government has made them to travel to the best film schools around the globe to receive training.

“We have received grants to make better films whereas we could not previously access loans. Under your administration, many of our members have received national honours. Many of our members have got political appointments. Under your leadership, many of us are now venturing into politics, something never before heard of for artistes in this part,” he said.