Boko Haram terrorists resumed their bloodletting yesterday, killing 19 people in the north-eastern Nigerian Borno State of Nigeria where the group used to have its headquarters.

A report by the international news agency AFP said the insurgents dressed in military uniforms and wielded AK 47 assault rifles. The report said the Islamists killed 19 motorists by blocking the highway near Logumani, some 19 kilometres from Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.

AFP reported that the Boko Haram members, riding on motorcycles, shot five of the victims and slaughtered the rest 14.

The news agency quoted Musa Abur, leader of the Civilian JTF in the area, as saying that those shot included two truck drivers and their assistants, adding that the terrorists also burnt two trucks.

“We have recovered 19 dead bodies from the scene of the attack by Boko Haram gunmen,” he said. “Five of the victims, who included two truck drivers and their assistants, were shot dead while the rest were slaughtered.”

Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, however, described the casualty figure as exaggerated.

•Photo shows Boko Haram fighters.