Borno residents flee to Cameroon as B/Haram kills 3 soldiers

Boko Haram insurgents have attacked Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, reportedly killing three soldiers and abducting a schoolgirl, Aishatu Aja. The police spokesperson, Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said he could only confirm the attack but details were sketchy. He also said that residents had fled the […]

Boko Haram insurgents have attacked Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, reportedly killing three soldiers and abducting a schoolgirl, Aishatu Aja.

The police spokesperson, Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said he could only confirm the attack but details were sketchy.

He also said that residents had fled the town to safe locations, including the neighbouring Cameroon, during the night attack, noting that no civilian casualty was recorded.

“Details are still sketchy because the incident took place in the night and some of the residents who fled for safety could not return.

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“As we are talking, no civilian casualty has so far been reported to us, and I can’t confirm the abduction of the female student because it’s too early to conclude,” he said.

The Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, also confirmed the incident, saying he received a distress call from the District Head of Kirawa.

“It is unfortunate and shocking to hear that the Commanding Officer was not on the ground at the time of the attack. As it stands, many of my people have fled to Cameroon for safety,” he said.

A security source told our correspondent that the insurgents overpowered the troops and destroyed their base.

“At least three soldiers were killed and the military base was destroyed with arms and ammunition being looted. To be candid, the way this attack happened we suspected connivance with the locals that was why we couldn’t risk staying after the attack,” he said.

One of the residents in the town, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the troops have begun to leave the town.

“We saw the troops leaving the town today (Monday) and that has aggravated the fear of residents, who have continued to flee to neighboring Cameroon for safety. The insurgents abducted Aishatu Aja,” he said.

He further revealed that the soldiers started leaving after the terrorists returned and engaged them for the second time in one day.

“There was no issue today but people are afraid of the unknown. In fact I don’t want to see the night approaching,” he added.