Residents raise the alarm over bodies, elderly left behind after Borno attack

n n

Residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State have raised concerns over the fate of elderly residents and corpses allegedly left behind after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the area and abducted scores of residents.

n

Survivors of the attack, who are now scattered across communities within the local government area, said they fled their homes without belongings while escaping the violence.

n

The PUNCH had earlier reported that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the community after storming a military base in the area.

n

It was gathered that the assailants invaded the community at about 1 am on Wednesday, attacking the military formation before proceeding to target civilians.

n

According to eyewitnesses, the attack lasted for several hours before the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly mobilised and dispersed the terrorists into nearby forests.

n

The spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack to The PUNCH, noting that several residents were still unaccounted for.

n

“Although some unknown number of civilians yet to be ascertained were also affected or killed. Some are still missing, and probably some were abducted and taken towards the Mandara Mountains,” he stated.

n

Speaking with journalists on Thursday, the District Secretary of Ngoshe, Shuaibu Dabawa, alleged that more than 300 residents were abducted during the attack.

n

He said, “When they attacked, we heard sporadic gunshots, then fled into the bush for safety, where we spent the night

n

“More than 300 people were abducted by terrorists during the attack. There is no military presence in Ngoshe for now, raising security concerns.”

n

Dabawa also expressed concern about elderly residents reportedly left behind in the community alongside several corpses.

n

“Our immediate worry is that some elderly people remain trapped in the town alongside several deadbodies. Many of us escaped with nothing except the clothes we were putting on. We left the community deserted,” he said.

n

He added that several displaced families had been separated in the chaos, while others were still missing.

n

“Displaced residents are now scattered, with some staying in open areas while others sought shelter at Central Primary School, Pulka. We are appealing to urgent military reinforcement and food assistance for affected families,” he stated.

n

Another survivor, Amina Halidu, also appealed for urgent intervention, saying many displaced persons were facing severe hardship.

n

“Yes, we are worried about the old people who could not run when others were running.

n

“Currently, many people camped in Central Primary School Pulka, where they face extreme cold and hunger, many of whom are women and children,” she said.

n

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain updates from the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, were unsuccessful as calls to his phone were not answered.

n

The military has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

n n