By Sabiu Abdullahi
Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters have killed at least nine Nigerian soldiers and the Chief Imam of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the attack took place on Tuesday night shortly after residents ended their Ramadan fast.
One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said the insurgents stormed the town in large numbers with heavy weapons. According to the source, the attackers confronted troops stationed in the area and overpowered them during the assault.
Another security source said the insurgents also moved into the residential parts of Ngoshe. The source said the town’s Chief Imam was killed during the raid. The attackers also abducted more than 100 women and children. Several people sustained injuries.
‘As I am speaking to you now, the entire people of Ngoshe have fled and nobody is left in the community. Most of us have taken refuge in Pulka,’ the source said.
The source further alleged that someone within the community might have assisted the attackers.
‘They came prepared and entered Ngoshe town with the help of an insider, killing 9 soldiers, slaughtering the mosque’s Chief Imam, and abducting over 100 women and children,’ he added.
Residents said the insurgents set fire to many houses and structures in the town before leaving the area. The incident forced surviving residents to escape to nearby communities for safety.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Colonel Sani Uba, for comment were not successful as of the time this report was filed.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the attack.
