District Head, Residents Flee As Boko Haram Recaptures Resettled Northern Villages

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of some villages in Northern Nigeria have fled to neighbouring countries as onslaught by bandits continues.

Abdulrahman Abubakar, District Head of Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, who is among those that have sought refuge has spoken on why he decided to leave Nigeria for Cameroon.

It was earlier reported how two persons were shot dead and Abubakar’s palace was burnt down during a Boko Haram invasion earlier in the week.

In an interview with Reuters, the Monarch said he had no option but to leave Nigeria.

“I was left with no option but to flee to Cameroon,” Abubakar was quoted to have said.

“Residents boarded trucks to seek refuge across the border, while others ran to Maiduguri.”

Boko Haram had claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing a video showing fighters torching a barracks.

According to Reuters, more than 5,000 people have fled into neighbouring Cameroon following attacks by Boko Haram in Gwoza Local Government.

It was earlier reported how Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno mobilised hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to provide security for communities attacked in Gwoza LGA.

During an assessment visit on Friday, Zulum had narrated the role of Cameroonian soldiers in making people return to the communities years after they were displaced.

“We resettled this town about seven years ago, with the support of Cameroonian soldiers. Unfortunately, they (returnees) were displaced by the insurgents.

“Yes, Cameroonian troops have withdrawn but that doesn’t mean that the Nigerian Army should leave the area vacant.

“I duly notified the Nigerian military of the dangers of leaving this town without security. This is a border community. Wilgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, among others are border communities that have to be protected because of their strategic importance.

“Unfortunately, my request did not receive the deserved attention, and the insurgents came on Wednesday and vandalised everything we worked so hard to rebuild.

“Two lives were lost while 50 houses and our heavy duty equipment, and eight vehicles were burnt down. We thanked God the casualties were not much.”