By Sabiu Abdullahi
Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have abducted more than 100 women and children after attacking Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, as opposed to an earlier report that stated only 9 people and an imam were abducted.
Sources said the attackers also killed several soldiers, the chief imam of the town and some community elders during the assault. The incident happened shortly after Muslims broke their fast on Wednesday.
Security and community sources told reporters that the terrorists first targeted a military base operated by the 82 Division Task Force Battalion. After confronting the troops, they moved into the community and later stormed an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.
One of the sources said the attackers outnumbered the soldiers, which enabled them to overpower the troops before advancing into the town where the mass abduction occurred.
“The militants invaded a military base of 82 Division of TF Battalion. They also launched an assault on the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in the community,” the source said.
He added that the attackers pursued fleeing soldiers and later searched houses and nearby bushes.
“We cannot ascertain the actual number of soldiers and civilians killed but nine bodies of soldiers have been recovered so far,” he said.
The source also alleged that the assailants destroyed military assets during the raid.
“Residents have fled Ngoshe town to the adjoining town, Pulka. The attack is very devastating considering that refugees have started returning from Cameroon,’ one other source said.
He also suggested that internal informants might have aided the attackers.
“It’s not possible to carry out such an attack without information from within us.
“The chief imam and some elders were slaughtered by the terrorists, and over 100 women and children were abducted or missing”, he said.
Residents who escaped the attack have reportedly moved to Pulka town in search of safety.
A resident, Malam Umar, described the emotional situation among survivors.
“You will see a mother crying, searching for her children and husband or children looking for their parents.
“The trauma of losing their homes and loved ones during this difficult time is quite devastating.” he said.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Nigerian military launched air strikes against the fleeing terrorists after the attack.
According to the security platform Zagazola Makama, surveillance aircraft tracked the insurgents along their escape routes. The Nigerian Air Force then carried out targeted strikes which reportedly killed more than 50 of the fighters.
Security analysts have linked the renewed attacks on military facilities to ongoing operations by troops in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains and areas around Lake Chad.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, condemned the attack and called for stronger military operations in the affected areas.
“I strongly condemn the attack. Let me commiserate with families of those killed and wish the injured quick recovery.
“Unfortunately, soldiers, the chief imam of Ngoshe and some elders of the community were among those slaughtered or killed during the attack.
“The military base was dislodged with some major equipment destroyed, including residential houses and property worth millions of naira set ablaze. I was informed that the General Officer Commanding 7Div, Brigadier-General Ugochukwu Unachukwu and the Brigade Commander of Gwoza are right now in Ngoshe to ensure civil authority is restored.
“We are liaising with Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Chairman of Gwoza LGA to immediately provide relief items to the displaced persons in Pulka community,” he said.
The lawmaker also noted that the absence of stationed attack helicopters or fighter jets in the Northeast has continued to limit the military’s ability to respond swiftly to attacks.
Following the incident, the Gwoza Youth Forum appealed for humanitarian support for displaced residents who fled to Pulka.
The group’s chairman, Malam Idrissa Hamman, made the appeal in a statement.
“We humbly write to seek your urgent support for our brothers and sisters who have been displaced from Ngoshe and are currently taking refuge in Pulka.
“Many of them are living under extremely difficult conditions and lack basic necessities for daily survival.
“In view of this humanitarian situation, we are earnestly appealing for your kind support, either in cash or in kind to assist these vulnerable families.
“As a matter of urgency, we are particularly soliciting the following items: clothes, shoes, blankets, buckets, food items and other essential household items.
“This humanitarian initiative is being coordinated under the platform of the Gwoza Youths Forum.
“The chairman of the committee for this initiative is Mal. Idirisa Hamman, while the secretary is Engr. Aliyu Shehu & BK Glavda as Member,” he said.
The attack adds to a series of deadly assaults carried out by terrorists and bandits across several Nigerian states since the beginning of Ramadan. Security incidents have been reported in Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Adamawa, Niger and Kaduna states in recent weeks.
Islamic scholars have also condemned the killings.
A Kano-based cleric, Dr Ibrahim Siraj, said Islam strongly forbids the taking of human life.
Quoting from the Qur’an, he said: “Whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein forever; and the wrath and curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful punishment is prepared for him.”
He said the offence becomes even more serious when it occurs during Ramadan.
“In addition to violating the sanctity of life, it also violates the sanctity of the month itself. Ramadan is a time when Muslims are encouraged to do good, refrain from bad behaviour, and draw closer to Allah. To take a life in this holy month is to show contempt and disrespect for its sacredness,” he said.
Another cleric, Sheikh Halliru Maraya of Kaduna, also stressed that the attacks contradict Islamic teachings.
“One of the reasons these criminal gunmen step up their atrocities against Nigerians during the holy month of Ramadan is that they are not acting in the name of Islam or based on its teachings. They are simply acting on their own whims and caprices.
“These atrocities clearly contradict the faith. Islam does not condone violence, let alone the taking of human life without a just cause. According to the Qur’an, taking a human life unjustly is like killing all of mankind. Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption in the land – it is as if he had slain all mankind,” he said.
