Soldiers, Iman Killed As Terrorists Abduct Over 100 Women, Children In Borno

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters kidnapped more than 100 women and children in an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The assault, which happened shortly after Muslims broke their fast on Wednesday, also left several soldiers, the town’s chief imam, and some community elders dead.

Local and security sources said the attackers first targeted a military base of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion before moving into the community and a nearby camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

A security official said the terrorists, outnumbering the soldiers, overran the base and pursued fleeing troops while ransacking the town and surrounding areas.

“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,” he said.

The official added that nine soldiers’ bodies have been recovered so far, though the total number of casualties among civilians and troops is unclear.

“We cannot ascertain the actual number of soldiers and civilians killed but nine bodies of soldiers have been recovered so far,” he said.

He said that ammoured vehicles and tanks were set on fire, and the attackers seized ammunition.

“Residents have fled Ngoshe town to the adjoining town, Pulka. The attack is very devastating considering that refugees have started returning from Cameroon,’ the source said.

There are claims that insiders may have aided the attackers, helping them coordinate the assault.

The source confirmed that the chief imam and several elders were killed and over 100 women and children remain missing or abducted.

“The chief imam and some elders were slaughtered by the terrorists, and over 100 women and children were abducted or missing”, he said.

KanyiDaily also reported how two soldiers and a nine-year-old boy lost their lives when insurgents launched a deadly raid on military facilities in Banki, a town in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.