Terrorists kill 20 in Borno, Adamawa border communities

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed no fewer than 20 persons in coordinated attacks on border communities in Borno and Adamawa.

The incidents, which occurred on Tuesday evening, affected Pubagu in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and Mayo-Ladde in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the attackers invaded the communities at about 4 p.m., overpowering local security operatives before opening fire on residents.

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Confirming the development, the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mr Mada Saidu, said 11 persons were killed in Pubagu, while nine others lost their lives in Mayo-Ladde.

He said: “There was an attack in Pubagu, Askira/Uba, on Tuesday around 4 p.m., where 11 people were killed. In Mayo-Ladde, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, nine persons were also killed.”

Saidu explained that the two communities are separated by a river, noting that the total number of casualties from the attacks stood at 20.

“In total, we recorded 20 deaths, 11 from Askira/Uba in Borno and nine from Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa,” he added.

The council chairman further disclosed that the insurgents overran local security operatives, comprising hunters and vigilantes, before carrying out the killings.

“I later visited the area alongside military personnel. Initially, it was local security operatives on ground, but they were overpowered by the attackers,” he stated.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the assailants, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles, operated for hours, burning houses and looting property.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The attackers stormed our community in the evening and shot sporadically for hours. They burnt houses and shops and killed both men and women after operating for over an hour.”

Another source noted that the local vigilantes attempted to resist the ആക്രമ, but were outmatched by the superior firepower and number of the insurgents.

“The hunters and vigilantes tried their best, but the attackers were more in number and better armed. Eventually, they had to flee for their lives,” the source added.

The latest attack comes days after insurgents reportedly killed four soldiers and a civilian in Mussa community, also in Askira/Uba Local Government Area. The council chairman had earlier confirmed that the civilian casualty was a woman.