No fewer than two soldiers and an undisclosed number of civilians have been killed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists who attacked the newly resettled Yamtake community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to security and local sources, the terrorist group invaded the communities around 11:15pm on Thursday.
One of the military sources said before a reinforcement team was sent from Gwoza, the damage had been done as the attackers stormed the Yamtake military formation.
“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,” the source told Daily Trust.
Reacting, the Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, said he had been in touch with the people of Yamtake community since the incident happened.
“It is unfortunate that our people in Yamtake village came under deadly Boko Haram invasion last night (Thursday). It’s one of the communities that received its IDPs recently, they were resettled by Borno State Government.
The Senator, who expressed sadness over the demise of two soldiers and many civilians, prayed for their souls to rest in peace.
Ndume lauded the troops for repelling the attackers from infiltrating Gwoza town, following the attack on Yamtake community.
“But 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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,” he added.
Tribune Online reports that at least eight were killed while 21 sustained injuries after landmines planted by Boko Haram exploded along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway.
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