Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly killed five people in Ngoshe Community in Gwoza Local Government area of Borno State.
The attack happened barely a few hours after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum assured farmers of adequate security in their independence messages.
In what appeared to be defiant action, the insurgents attacked the community and abducted 15 persons, killing five of them alongside a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, member, Jubril Zarana, who had actively participated in the efforts of security agents to foil the attack, a source said.
“We sorrowfully announce the abduction of about 15 farmers, including children, women, young and elderly, by Boko Haram terrorists in Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA,” he lamented.
“The attack also resulted in the death of CJTF member, Jubril Zarana, and five other civilians. The terrorists ambushed the farmers while they were busy on their farms.
”The security agents (Army and CJTF) tried their best to protect the people but they could not hold them for long.
“Jubril Dada Zarana was killed while defending his people, while the other victims were abducted alive.
“After terrorists took the victims to their base, they mercilessly slaughtered five people, including Isa Musa Moh’d Diyara, Doglas, Salawuddin Suleman Dauda Lawan, Maryam Gwambran, Matan Kaka Mobil Aga and Baba Amos
“The Boko Haram terrorists later released three women captives. The released women stated that the other victims were held hostage by the terrorists, including Anna Andrew Gadzawaga, Hauwa Braga and two little unidentified boys.
“Moreover, some of the missing victims are Babawo Kanin Shagari, Ummi Trabos and Babson Yaron Teacher, among others.
“Dear Gwoza concerned citizens, please include our people in your prayers as they endure this helpless situation.
“It is an Independence Day, a day of celebration of freedom, human rights, progress and unity but for our people, its a day of sorrow, despair, helplessness and total dilemma.
“Our people are severely suffering due to lack of essential life support but they have chosen to remain in their fatherland because of the love they have for it.
“Neither the government nor NGOs are providing them with food supplies. The little farming they do to survive, they have to put their lives on the line in order to harvest what they have planted.”
Activities of Boko Haram terrorists and bandits have resulted in multiple deaths. Despite the gallant efforts of the Nigerian troops and government, they have remained recalcitrant in their bloody crusade.
