At least 43 people died in two separate attacks in February.
During the first attack in the early hours of February 20, 14 people were killed when gunmen attacked Rapyem village. All the victims were Christians, and were fast asleep when the village was stormed.
Two days later, gunmen attacked villagers living along the highway linking the local governments of Barakin-Ladi and Bokkos. Julius Bala, the leader of a vigilante group of youths, told local media 29 people were killed as they slept and a further 17 were injured. The attackers were repelled following a fierce battle with security forces.
