Boko Haram kills five soldiers, 15 Borno villagers

Soldiers on duty

Boko Haram terrorists have killed no fewer than 20 people in another attack on Wajirko community along the Biu-Damboa Road in Borno State.

Our correspondents gathered that the terrorists carried out the attack around 12pm on Thursday, inflicting injuries on many others who managed to escape.

A top security source told Saturday PUNCH that among those killed were five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.

“The civilians were engaged in construction work at a bridge site on Thursday before the terrorists attacked them. In the process, five soldiers were killed; three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were also killed, as well as many civilians who were working there,” the source said.

Confirming the attack in a statement on Friday, the National Secretary of the Biu Forum, Bukar Tashkalma, expressed shock over the incident, saying that over 20 people died in the attack.

He said, “The Biu Forum is shocked and saddened by the recent attack by Boko Haram terrorists on soldiers and civilians at Wajirko along the Biu–Damboa Road in Borno State, where over 20 people from Biu lost their lives, and many others sustained various degrees of injuries.

“The attack, which occurred during bush-clearing operations and the reconstruction of a bridge, has left the Biu community in grief and anguish.

“The leadership and members of the Biu Forum pray to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased souls Jannah and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

According to him, the civilian victims have been buried according to Islamic rites.

“We extend heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and associates of the victims and urge them to find solace in Allah’s will. The Jana’iza prayers were performed at the Emir of Biu’s palace, led by the Chief Imam of Biu Central Mosque, Nuruddeen Umaru Isa, and the deceased were buried in accordance with Islamic injunctions in Biu.