These terrorists are as good as their word.

After issuing an ultimatum to Christians to leave or die, the Islamist group Boko Haram carried out several deadly attacks that have killed at least 37 Christians which has led to many fleeing  to the south.

Reuters:

Hundreds of Christians have begun to flee northern Nigeria after dozens were killed in a series of attacks by Islamist militants who issued an ultimatum to Christians to leave the mainly Muslim region or be killed, witnesses said Saturday.

A Nigerian newspaper Tuesday published a warning from Boko Haram, a movement styled on the Taliban, that Christians had three days to get out of northern Nigeria.

Since the expiry of that ultimatum, attacks in towns in four states in northeastern Nigeria have left at least 37 people dead and hundreds of Christians are fleeing to the south, according to residents and a Red Cross official.

Gunmen armed with Kalashnikovs have targeted church congregations and a group of mourners in a church hall.

Witnesses said some shops run by Christians from the Igbo ethnic group in towns hit by the violence, including Yola and Mubi, were closed Saturday and residents started to pack their belongings onto buses heading to southern regions.

There are fears of reprisal attacks on Muslims. Christian groups have asked their followers to remain peaceful but they concede that there is a risk of further violence.

A state of emergency has been declared in the area and the army is patrolling the region, but it is a remote region with a lot of ground for the army to try and protect. All the terrorists need is a few men with AK-47's to initiate mass killings.

The attacks occurred at rural churches following services as Boko Haram gunmen simply mowed worshipers down as they emerged. It's clear that the government won't be able to protect Christians in Nigeria until they deal with the Boko Haram. But the terrorists have proved elusive and it is likely to be a long, frustrating campaign.