Witnesses said the terrorists feared they would be killed by advancing soldiers or separated from their wives when they fled the town. They didn't want their wives to end marrying soldiers or unbelievers after they were gone.
According to one Fanna Aisami who witnessed the executions, the execution order was given by a boko haram leader in town.
''He informed them of the situation and the consequence of the takeover of the town by the advancing troops. He warned them that when soldiers killed them they would take their wives back to the society where they would be forced to marry and live with infidels. Said it would be better for them to kill their wives and send them to heaven.
Military sources are yet to confirm the slaughter story.
