Boko Haram Defies Purported Ceasefire, Kills 15 in Borno, Adamawa

Less than 24 hours after a purported ceasefire agreement between the Federal Government and Boko Haram was reached, 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.”

Source:
The Nation