The group is demanding strict Shariah law be adopted across the multiethnic nation of more than 160 million people.

While AP is reporting 30 deaths in the attack, AFP reports the attack claimed 42 lives.Wikipedia reports six students who escaped were found hiding in the bushes with gunshot wounds and taken to the hospital while more than 100 others were missing as of July 6.

The besieged government-run boarding school of 1,200 students is located in Mamudo village, Yobe State, Nigeria.

Last may, after a series of deadly attacks by Boko Haram, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three states in the northeast section of thecountry.

Founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2001, Boko Haram is an Islamist movement which strongly opposes any western education. Since 2010, Boko Haram has targeted schools, killing hundred of students. A spokesperson said such attacks would continue as long as government soldiers continued to interfere with traditional Koran-based education. More than 10,000 children no longer attend school due to attacks by the Boko Haram.