Residents of Kalabalge village in Borno State fought off insurgents of the notorious Boko Haram sect on Tuesday with the help of traditional weapons and charms, resulting in the death of dozens of the attackers.

After learning about an impending attack on behalf of the Boko Haram, locals staged an ambush, cutting off two trucks full of gunmen.

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Villagers repelled the violence, killing over 40 insurgents and taking captive at least 10. It was not made clear where the detainees were being held.

Citizens said they were taking matters into their own hands as the Nigerian police were not doing enough to stave off attacks from the Boko Haram.

This is just one of several vigilante groups forming in Nigeria as locals face possible violent outbreaks from the extremist Islamist sect.

Borno is the same area where the Boko Haram abducted 300 girls last month, at least 276 of whom are still being held captive.

The US and Britain became involved in rescue efforts after a leader of the Boko Haram released a video condemning Western education and threatening to sell the girls into slavery.

However, the head of the group, Abubakar Shekau, released a second video on Monday saying he would release the girls in exchange for the freedom of several jailed Boko Haram leaders.

The Nigerian government has not turned down the offer and issued a statement saying that all options are now open, including negotiations and military intervention with foreign assistance.

In this year alone, the Boko Haram has killed over 1,500 people, and residents of villages like Kalabalge hope that the organizing of vigilante groups will make it impossible for the Boko Haram to carry out more attacks and abductions in the future.

TagsNigeria, Boko Haram, Boko Haram Nigeria