Boko Haram militants crossed the border from Nigeria into Cameroon and attacked several villages.  At least four villagers who tried to defend themselves were killed.  The militants kidnapped dozens of people, men, women, and 40-50 children before making back across into Nigeria.

“We are dealing with barbaric people, lawless people,” Cameroon information minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary said of Boko Haram.  “Nothing can prevent them from assassinating.”

This happened in Cameroon’s Far North Province, near the regional capital Mokolo.  It marks another escalation by Boko Haram.  In the past, the group’s kidnappings in Cameroon had been for specific targets – government officials or foreigners – to be held for ransom. 

On the surface, these abductions seem to be more like the group’s rampages across Nigeria – children to be forced into being soldiers and women to be sold amongst the militants as brides.  As has happened across northeastern Nigeria, houses and shops were burned to the ground as the militants retreated.

Regional cooperation to stop Boko Haram’s ruthless quest for a Caliphate based on sharia law has been slow to gel, and Nigeria’s neighbors say Abuja hasn’t been forthcoming with information.  The attacks occurred three days after Cameroon President Paul Biya announced Chad would send troops to bolster tiny Cameroon’s forces.  Those troops were greeted warmly on Sunday, and immediately began to deploy to Far North province.