At least 40 people have died with several others injured after a wave of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State.
The violence, which unfolded over less than 24 hours, saw civilians falling victim to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and gunfire in various parts of the state, including Kalabalge, Damboa, and Kwaple.
On Monday afternoon, an IED detonated along the Kala-Balge road, targeting a group of 26 travellers.
According to reports from the punch, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, revealed that the explosion resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 people, including 16 men, four women, and six children.
The victims were traveling to Gamboru Ngala in Borno State when they encountered the deadly device, which was likely planted by the insurgents.
“The tragic incident led to the death of 26 persons, which includes 16 males, four females, and six children,” said Daso, confirming that the injured were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
Just hours later, around 7 pm on the same day, Boko Haram insurgents attacked a funeral gathering in Kwaple, a village near Chibok, shooting and killing about 15 mourners.
The assailants arrived on motorcycles and carried out a coordinated assault that lasted nearly an hour. Despite the violence unfolding in the area, security forces did not intervene during the attack.
“The terrorists attacked during a funeral, a lot of people were killed,” confirmed the Chairman of the Chibok Local Government Area, Modu Mustapha.
A local source, speaking anonymously, added, “It was a horrific experience, and the attackers burnt a church and five houses while also kidnapping several people. The community is in shock.”
The latest attacks come on the heels of an alarming statement by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, who had previously raised concerns over the growing insecurity in the state.
In a recent meeting, Zulum warned that the state’s security situation had worsened, with terrorist activities becoming increasingly frequent and brazen.
“It is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities are almost on a daily basis without confrontation,” Zulum said.
He urged the federal government to intensify efforts in combating the insurgeuncy, calling for more resources and technological support to strengthen military operations.
Governor Zulum’s senior technical assistant, Abdulrahman Bundi, reiterated the governor’s concerns, emphasizing that the state was working closely with federal agencies to address the growing threat.
He confirmed that local vigilantes and civilian joint task forces had been provided with new equipment to assist in the fight against insurgents.
“The governor has been working with the Federal Government, providing support to security agencies with intelligence and resources. “We need every possible resource to ensure peace is restored in Borno,” Bundi said.
