How Boko Haram killed 16 in Borno, Adamawa, razed 50 houses

The insecurity situation in the country worsened weekend as Boko Haram and its sister formation, Islamic State of West Africa, ISWAP, again launched attacks on communities in Borno and Adamawa states, killing people and rendering thousands homeless.

No fewer than nine persons, including three soldiers, were killed in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, while United Nations’ facilities were set on fire, forcing humanitarian workers to flee for their lives. In Adamwa, no fewer than 5,000 persons, mainly women and children, were displaced at Kwapre village in Dugwaba District of Hong Local Government Area, when the insurgents invaded the community.

These attacks came as hoodlums on Saturday night, invaded Ekori police station in Yakkur Local Government Area of Cross Rivers State, carting away an AK-47 rifle with some rounds of ammunition. This is even as gunmen kidnapped a 13-year-old boy in Ogun State, demanding N50 million ransom to set him free, just another set of gunmen also abducted a Catholic priest in Imo State but are yet to make demands. In the Borno attack, residents told Vanguard that the Boko Haram insurgents invaded Mobbar Sunday evening and engaged the military who tried to repel them. It was learned that in the gun battle, some of the insurgents were killed, while three soldiers also lost their lives.

The attack took place in the absence of Governor Babagana Zulum, who was said to have travelled to Ibadan to receive an award bestowed on him by authorities of University of Ibadan as ‘Most Distinguished Alumnus’. In Damasak, some residents who survived the attack, told Vanguard that the insurgents also stormed the general hospital in the area and carted away medical consumables and equipment without confrontation.

A source told Vanguard operational vehicles and facilities of humanitarian workers, including those of the United Nations were either carted away or set ablaze. The insurgents, who were said to have arrived the community in military-camouflaged gun truck, opened fire on a military formation, forcing many residents and security operatives to flee into Maiduguri town, until a reinforcement team, including mobile policemen, were deployed to restore sanity to the area.

The Damasak attack Confirming the Damasak attack and killings, chairman of Mobbar Local Government Area, Mustapha Bunu Kolo, exclusively told our correspondent that the latest attack was very devastating and worrisome, especially as it targeted humanitarian hubs which had been assisting in no small measure to improve the lives of traumatized citizens.

“Yes, there was a devastating Boko Haram attack in Damasak yesterday night (Saturday).  Most worrisome is the killing of six people when a military airstrike assisting ground troops fired at one of  the Boko Haram vehicles that rammed into a family where friends and relatives had gathered in a ceremony. “The insurgents destroyed all humanitarian hubs and their facilities after carting away foodstuffs at one of their main warehouses.

“The insurgents also went to General Hospital, and carted away medical consumables with a brand new ambulance stationed at the facility.” Kolo lamented. He, however, appreciated efforts of the security agencies and members of Civilian JTF/hunters for repelling the attack. All efforts to get a reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Okon, proved abortive at press time.

Adamawa Attack In the Adamawa attack, over 5,000 persons, mainly women and children, were rendered homeless as Boko Haram and its ISWAP partner, attacked a village in Hong Local Government Area of the state. Executive Secretary of Adamawa State Emergency management Agency, Dr Mohammed Sulaiman, who confirmed the attack yesterday in Yola, disclosed   that many other communities in neighbouring local governments were also displaced.

He recalled that the insurgents came in nine vehicles on Friday to attack Kwapre village in Dugwaba District of Hong Local Government Area, adding that the insurgents surrounded the village and killed seven people, including three children. “During the attack, 50 houses, worship centres, markets and schools were burnt. Many people, including women, girls and men, were kidnapped by the attackers.  However, we received a report that eight persons among the kidnapped victims escaped.

The displaced   persons  during the attack are taking refuge in near by villages,” he said. The District Head   of Dugwaba, Mr Simon Yakubu, who also confirmed the attack, said the insurgents invaded the village at about 1 p.m, shooting sporadically. He said: “During the attack that lasted more than two hours, more than 20 persons were injured and no fewer than 20 persons are unaccounted for as at present. Places of worship, schools, shops, food stores and village head house were destroyed.’’