At least eight people were killed when suspected Boko Haram members attacked two villages in Borno State on Sunday and Monday. This occurred just as Nigerian troops continued raids on Sambisa Forest, believed to be the last stronghold of the insurgents.
According to residents who managed to escape to neighbouring villages, the gunmen stormed Mangari around 3:00pm on Sunday while the attack on Warawara happened around 6:00am on Monday.
The villages, each less than 10 kilometres from Buratia, hometown of army chief, Tukur Buratai, a Lieutenant General, are in Biu local government area of the state.
According to a resident of Mangari, Ibrahim Abubakar, the attackers rode on motorcycles and bicycles shooting sporadically and setting houses on fire.
“When we arrived Miringa I was told that five other person were missing, I cannot up till now tell you their whereabouts, we cannot say whether they were equally killed or abducted by the rampaging insurgents,” Abubakar explained, adding that while fleeing he saw three corpses on the streets.
Five people were said to have died from the attack on Warawara.
“The Boko Haram terrorists killed five persons in our village including my brother. As I am speaking to you now our village head and other elders of the town have went to bury the copses and I believe when they come back we will know the number of those killed and their identities”, another villager said.
In another development, government forces continued their raid on Sambisa forest, with the army spokesman, Sani Usman, saying that four Boko Haram training camps around Bama axis in Borno State were destroyed with 31 hostages rescued in the process.
These camps are in Faldan, Kidiziromari, Kuroshini, Kurumari and Ngulda located within the forest.
“The troops discovered stockpile of farm produce in metal drums, sacks and underground storage facilities. Other items recovered included several bicycles and motorcycles. Some of the farmlands yet to be harvested were also set ablaze by the terrorists. A wooden rifle used for training and practice by the terrorists was also retrieved,” the statement read.
The army added that troops from 7 Division Garrison carried out eight fighting patrols along Leje axis, also in Borno State.
Fifteen camps around the area were cleared of terrorists, including Khadadamamari, Ladin Buta, Hilmari, Kashauri, Keshan Ngala, Aiwa, Masu Kura, Mabirni, Grza 1 and 2, Mashuari, Dubenge, Tauba and Majande.
“Troops also pursued and destroyed 2 Boko Haram terrorists on motor cycles. Troops have also blocked all known routes to prevent Boko Haram Terrorists from transporting livestock across borders. All these are with a view to stopping the Boko Haram from fueling their terror machines through cattle rustling and illegal trading,” the army also noted.