Displaced Borno residents recount Boko Haram invasion

Zulum

Victims of the recent Boko Haram attack on Kirawa, a community in Gwoza local government area of Borno state, have recounted the ordeals and strategies the insurgents used to seize the community.

In an interview with our correspondent on Sunday, the victims described the experience as “disastrous.”

One victim, Aji Modu, explained that the terrorists entered the community on motorcycles.

In his words, “They came with motorbikes and started shooting while gradually entering the village.

“On their way, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters tried to hold them off in a gun battle, and they exchanged gunfire.

“The CJTF held the insurgents in a gunfight that lasted for hours, slowing their advance into the community. That gave us enough time to quickly run away.”

Another victim, Mustapha Umar, added that the insurgents succeeded in killing one person and abducting a teenager.

“After many of our people crossed the border while the gun battle was ongoing, the CJTF, who were holding the terrorists at gunfire, also began to withdraw. As soon as they withdrew toward our side, the insurgents overtook the town.

“They captured and entered every corner of the town. They took over almost everywhere and began burning houses.

“Unfortunately, one young man, less than 20 years old, was caught near the immigration office. The insurgents killed him.

“There was also a child, around 13 years old, running with his mother, whom the insurgents captured and took away. So, we had one death and one hostage taken from our community,” he said.

Recounting the losses, a community member identified as Garba said properties including televisions, beds, mattresses, and farm produce were left behind.