Boko Haram terrorists continue attacks in Borno State, kill two Soldiers, several residents
According to security and local sources, the terrorists stormed the area at approximately 11:15pm, targeting a military formation in Yamtake.
Two soldiers and yet-to-be-confirmed number of civilians were reportedly killed when suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched a deadly attack on the newly resettled Yamtake community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on Thursday night.
According to security and local sources, the terrorists stormed the area at approximately 11:15pm, targeting a military formation in Yamtake.
READ ALSO: Boko Haram have taken over three communities in Borno State — Senator Ali Ndume
“We are waiting for the reinforcement team to return, but we learnt that two of our men and other civilians were affected. I advise we wait until they return,” Daily Trust quoted a military source familiar with the situation as saying.
Senator Ali Ndume, the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also reportedly confirmed the attack.
Ndume, who is said to have expressed sorrow over the renewed violence in the area, was quoted as saying, “It is unfortunate that our people in Yamtake village came under deadly Boko Haram invasion last night (Thursday).
“t’s one of the communities that received its IDPs recently; they were resettled by the Borno State Government.”
The lawmaker added, “It is very sad that two soldiers paid the supreme price, while an unspecified number of innocent civilians were among the casualties. May their gentle souls rest in peace.”
Despite the tragedy, Senator Ndume however reportedly commended the military for their efforts in thwarting further violence.
“Let me also commend Brig. Gen. Nasir Abdullahi, the Brigade Commander 26 Task Force, and his gallant troops for their unwavering sacrifices and doggedness in repelling several attacks, especially those targeted at Gwoza town,” he stated.
He added, “I was reliably informed that the attackers after wreaking havoc in Yamtake made an attempt to infiltrate Gwoza town, but the troops played a gallant role to repel the attack.
“On several occasions, troops lay ambush in and around Gwoza town which helped in preventing terrorists who are making all efforts to dislodge Gwoza people living in the Council Headquarters.”
Meanwhile, he expressed concern over the security situation across the state, saying, “In the past one month, several communities in Borno South, North and Central Senatorial Districts witnessed deadly Boko Haram attacks without confrontation. The situation is worrisome.”
Ndume, who called for enhanced community-based defense strategies, said, “Let me therefore use this opportunity to advocate for the setting up of Armed Community Defence to complement the efforts of the military.
“This is because men of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they have limitations, as they only carry den guns, sticks which they found it very difficult to confront the terrorists.”
He also reiterated the need for greater federal intervention, noting, “More so, I want to reiterate my calls on the federal government and the Nigerian Military to deploy Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, Motivation (TEAAM), which is the only way to end the over decade Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, North East and other parts of the country.”
The latest attack adds to a series of recent violent incidents attributed to Boko Haram and their ISWAP affiliates.
Recall that on April 12, eight passengers were killed and 17 injured when their vehicle struck a landmine planted along the Damboa-Maiduguri Highway.
Also, on January 24, 22 soldiers, including a commanding officer, were reportedly killed in an attack on Malam-Fatori.
Similarly, on March 24, four soldiers reportedly lost their lives in coordinated assaults on Wajiroko and Wulgo bases.
The Nigerian military continues to battle the insurgents in the region, with calls mounting for a more robust and technology-driven response to the over decade-long insurgency.
When contacted for reaction to the Thursday night attack, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso Kenneth, said he was not aware of the incident.
The police spokesperson also noted that such an incident will be confirmed by the military as most of the settlements and communities are under the control of military operations.
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