Barely 24 hours after a reported ceasefire agreement
between the Federal Government and Boko Haram, the sect
struck yesterday by attacking two communities in Borno
and Adamawa states.
The Borno attacks left no fewer than 15 people dead. In
Adamawa State, houses were burnt in Sina Village in
Michika Area. Some villagers were feared killed but it was
difficult to ascertain the actual toll.
A security source informed that over 10 Boko Haram
fighters in Hilux vehicles unleashed terror on Abadam at the
weekend, shooting everyone in sight.
Abadam is located on the verge of Nigeria-Niger border in
the northern parts of Borno State.
The source also disclosed that the community was
completely sacked by the insurgents.
Another source informed that the father of an unnamed
prominent politician was among those killed in the attack.
In Dzur village near Shaffa in Hawul Local Government, it
was gathered that eight people died when the insurgents
sacked it.
Residents fled into the bush following sporadic gunshot by
the insurgents.
“Boko Haram fighters have our village, Dzur. They invaded
the area, shooting and burning houses. They slaughtered
eight people.
“Many people in Shaffa have run into the bush according to
the report I got from my people who fled into the bush,” the
resident stated.
Shaffa had its dose of attack when Boko Haram killed at
least 18 people, including a pastor.
The attacks have fuelled skepticism among residents over
the commitment of the sect members to the ceasefire
announced by the Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal
Alex Badeh.
Some residents of Borno and Yobe, who spoke with The
Nation, noted that they have heard such announcements in
the past without any meaningful results.
“What we want to see on the ground is practical ceasefire,
which has to come with immediate restoration of peace in
the troubled areas.
“My town, Buni Yadi, is still under the control of Boko
Haram, so how can I trust such a statement?
“How are we even sure that it is the real Boko Haram that
government has reached an agreement with.? I would have
loved it if it is true but no one can explain what is
happening,” Babagana, a resident of Buni Yadi, now residing
in Damaturu, said.
Head, Mass Communication department at the University of
Maiduguri, Dr Mohammed Gujbawu, said it was a welcome
development “if it is a genuine one.”
He noted that nothing can be compared to peace.
“We’ve seen war and we are desperately in need of peace.
We welcome the ceasefire if it is a genuine one,” he said
Gwoza, Damboa, Bama, Gambouru, Ngala, Banki, Wulgo,
Dikwa, Kirenoa, Marte in Borno State and Buni Yadi, Gulani,
Goniri, Buni Gari and other dozen villages in Yobe State are
under the control of Boko Haram insurgents.
According to a source, the insurgents allegedly struck in
Sina Village in Michika Area village at about 2pm shooting
sporadically and setting some houses ablaze.
The source said: “The insurgents came in hundreds to
attack our people. They shot at many people and burnt
many houses in the village.
“It is difficult to say exactly those killed and the injured
because we are still taking stock. Many villagers scampered
to safety to avoid falling to the rampaging insurgents.
“The villagers were caught unawares because they were all
hopeful that the ceasefire will work.”
A community leader in Michika, Dr. Caleb Filli, confirmed the
attack on Sina Village.
He said: “The gunmen invaded the village in the afternoon
and attacked people. We appeal to the Federal Government
to ensure that the ceasefire agreement covers the
withdrawal of Boko Haram fighters from the areas they are
presently occupying.
“Many of our people are already displaced. The ceasefire
will not be meaningful unless it paves way for residents to
return to their homes.”
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