Boko Haram kills five, abducts others in coordinated attacks on Borno communities

…as military base was razed in Gwoza village

At least five people have been killed and several others abducted after Boko Haram terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on multiple communities in Borno State on Sunday, targeting villages in Konduga and Gwoza Local Government Areas.

It was gathered that the assaults left a military base destroyed and several people wounded in the multiple attacks.

BusinessDay reports that the latest violence adds to growing concerns over increasing insurgent activity around rural farmlands since the harvest season began.

Read also: Army rescues 12 abducted teenage girls in Borno

Jidda Muhammad, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), told BusinessDay that the first incident occurred at Mayenti village, a farming settlement in Malari ward, at about 1:00 a.m.

Mayenti is known for its onion farming and attracts seasonal workers from across Konduga and even from Maiduguri.

“We heard them attacking the community around 1 a.m., and that was how I and others rushed to respond,” Muhammad said.

He said the attackers arrived on eight motorcycles. They shot one farmer and abducted two others, but during the exchange of gunfire, the insurgents killed one of the abducted farmers and escaped with the other.

Eight farmers abducted in Shettimari

Hours later, still on Sunday night, insurgents struck again, this time at Shettimari village, also in Konduga Local Government Area.

They stormed farmlands along the roadside around midnight and abducted eight farmers, many of whom are conflict-affected residents trying to rebuild their livelihoods.

“They don’t come into Konduga town anymore since we were supported with equipment,” Muhammad explained.

“They now attack the villages around the town. We appreciate the support, but we still need more weapons. Getting more help from the government will motivate us to continue protecting our people.”

Konduga, located about 36 kilometres from Maiduguri, has remained a hotspot for attacks on farmers, especially during the farming season.

Similarly, residents reported an attempted invasion in Izge, Gwoza Local Government Area, around 11 p.m. on Sunday.

Although the insurgents failed to fully enter the town, they attacked and overpowered the soldiers, leading to the burning down of a military base.

Hadiza Abdullahi, a resident, confirmed that four persons were killed, two men and two women, during the attack. She added that four others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Michika town.

Residents call for stronger security presence

Despite the return of calm, residents say the lack of a government response remains concerning.

A resident, identified simply as Hadiza, noted that the people of Izge urgently need improved security and the rebuilding of the destroyed military base.

“They want the military base to be restored so that the soldiers can return and continue protecting them. The soldiers are their only hope,” she said.

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