- The insurgents overwhelmed the troops, destroyed their base, and looted arms and ammunition
At least three soldiers were killed in a fresh attack by Boko Haram terrorists on Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The terrorists also abducted a female schoolgirl, Aishatu Aja, during the attack that has now forced many residents to desert the town and flee across the border into Cameroon.
Police spokesperson for the Borno State Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, who confirmed the attack said details were still hazy.
“The incident occurred at night, and many residents who fled for safety have not returned. So far, no civilian casualty has been reported to us, and I cannot confirm the abduction of the female student at this stage,” Daso said.
The Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, also confirmed the incident, saying he received a distress call from the District Head of Kirawa.
“It is unfortunate and shocking to hear that the Commanding Officer was not on the ground at the time of the attack. As it stands, many of my people have fled to Cameroon for safety,” he said.
According to Daily Trust, the insurgents overwhelmed the troops, destroyed their base, and looted arms and ammunition.
“At least three soldiers were killed. The way this attack unfolded, we suspect connivance with locals, which is why we could not risk staying after the incident,” the source said.
The media outlet reported that more residents are fleeing to neighbouring Cameroon following the withdrawal of troops from the area.
“We saw the troops leaving today (Monday), which has aggravated residents’ fears. The insurgents abducted Aishatu Aja. People are moving to Cameroon for safety,” a resident, who requested anonymity, told Daily Trust.
The resident added that the withdrawal began after the insurgents returned to engage the troops in a second attack on the same day.
“Hundreds of residents have already crossed the border between Kirawa and Kerawa in Cameroon. With the soldiers leaving the town, more residents panicked and continued to flee,” another resident, Mala Abubakar, said.
“Some of these families are still taking refuge at the border gate alongside some military personnel,” he added
Discussion about this post