Boko Haram Strikes Again: At Least 11 Civilians, 2 Terrorists Dead in Borno
At
least 13 persons were reportedly killed when members of the infamous
terrorist group, Boko Haram, attacked Damboa Village, about 85 km north
of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The attack happened on the night
of August 15, 2013, Thursday.
According
to Ayamu Gwasha, who represents Konduga in the Borno State House of
Assembly, the alleged Boko Haram gunmen invaded the agrarian village
famous for producing most of the grocery requirements of the state at
about 7.30 p.m.; and attacked several places including the security
formations.
“Our
people have been killed last night by these people. We had anticipated
this attack, because we are border neighbour to Konduga where 44 persons
were killed early this week, that was why we immediately alerted the
security agencies for security beef up, which was being considered
before they attacked,” said
Mr. Gwasha.
Another source, representing security forces, name and position withheld, confirmed the incident.
“The incident happened at about 7.30
p.m. About 50 Boko Haram terrorists drove into Damboa in nine
Volkswagen Golf cars and four motorcycles. They attacked Damboa police
station, but the officers there effectively repelled them; they also
attempted attacking the military post in the town but the soldiers also
repelled them. While that was going on, another group were busy
attacking the village and burning some of the houses.
“After
the attack, which lasted till 12 a.m., eleven civilians died, two
members of the Boko Haram were killed by the police,” said the security
source.
“About
20 houses including that of the local government chairman and several
shops were burnt down. The terrorists had also looted most of the shops
and filled a truck with food items, but they were not lucky to escape
with the loot as the laden vehicle got stuck in the muddy road.”
A local farmer,
Mustapha Aji, who was lucky enough to escaped through the bushes to
Maiduguri town, told the reporters that villagers had to flee their
homes and spend the night in the bushes while the attack was going on.
He said he believed that foreign mercenaries were among the terrorists
who attacked.
“The
shooting was too much; it started immediately after the Isha (late
night) prayers. The shooters came in several cars and began to shoot and
burning houses and shops. Some of them are aliens, because they were
speaking Arab fluently. They were carrying big, big guns, some were
throwing bombs. Everywhere was on fire I had to run for my life,” said
46-year-old Mr. Aji.
Damboa
had suffered several similar attacks in the past one year which led to
killing of several persons and destruction of properties.
Mr.
Sagir Musa, the spokesman of JTF in Borno, could not be reached on the
latest attack, as his telephone numbers are not available due to network
problems in Borno.