At least twelve people, including two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), have been killed by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Bokko Ghide, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Emir of Gwoza, Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed the tragic event, revealing that the vigilantes were ambushed and murdered along Kirawa Road in Pulka District.
He further disclosed that ten civilians, who had ventured into the forest to gather firewood, also fell victim to the attackers.
“They went to a nearby bush in search of firewood on Saturday when the boys (insurgents) ambushed them and killed ten and left 2 with life-threatening injuries.
“We buried the 10 and evacuated the injured victims to Maiduguri for medical attention.
“It’s very sad that two of my Civilian JTF members, who sacrificed their lives for my people, were also killed on Friday,” he said.
The Emir prayed for divine reward for the slain vigilantes and firewood fetchers, asking God to grant them Janatul Firdaus and to comfort their grieving families and the entire community.
He went on to commend the efforts of both the state government and the military in tackling the decade-long insurgency.
“They have been doing their best in managing the crisis for over a decade. We also want the military to deploy technological warfare like drones and other sophisticated weapons to end the crisis,” he said.
Expressing concern about the approaching rainy season, the Emir warned that fear of renewed attacks could severely impact farming activities.
“People are now scared to visit their farmlands, and it’s time for land preparation ahead of the rain proper,” he said.
The deadly attacks occurred just 48 hours after President Bola Tinubu dispatched the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other top military officers to Borno to assess the security situation