Two women have been killed by fighters loyal to Boko Haram commander Ali Ngulde in the Mandara Mountains area of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after they were accused of engaging in witchcraft.
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According to security sources, the insurgents arrested the women during a search operation in the area, where the militants claimed to have found charms in their possession. A video released by the faction showed the fighters alleging that the items were proof the women were involved in what they called a prohibited practice.
The women were later taken to remote mountain locations and executed publicly, a tactic sources say is aimed at frightening residents and tightening the group’s grip on communities under their control.
Reports also indicate that the Ali Ngulde faction has recently intensified harsh punishments against civilians, targeting people on accusations of sorcery, spying, or attempting to escape from territories held by the group.
