Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have abducted 12 women in Mussa district, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were reportedly seized around 5 p.m. on Saturday while returning from their farmlands.
In a separate attack on Sunday, suspected Boko Haram terrorists also launched an over two-hour assault in the Magumeri Local Government Area of the state, burning homes, vehicles, and shops.
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Confirming the women farmers’ kidnapping on Sunday, Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said an investigation had been launched.
“There was an abduction yesterday in Askira-Uba. Twelve females were abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists while returning from the farm,” he stated.
Calling for calm and assuring that security efforts are ongoing, he stated that, “When the investigation is concluded, it will be made public.”
Residents expressed concern and urged swift action. “The news reached us around 5 p.m. when their relatives could not trace them. As a community, we have informed our elected representatives, traditional leaders, and security agencies,” a resident, who asked not to be identified for safety reasons, told The PUNCH.
Also, suspected Boko Haram terrorists burnt homes, vehicles and shops in the Magumeri Local Government Area.
According to sources, the insurgents stormed the community around 1:15 a.m. on motorcycles, shooting sporadically and displacing residents before setting property ablaze.
ASP Daso confirmed to The PUNCH that no lives were lost.
“On November 23, at about 1:15 a.m., unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram invaded Magumeri, burning some houses and vehicles. However, no one was killed. Normalcy has been restored based on joint efforts of security agencies,” he said.
The Executive Chairman of Magumeri, Abubakar Abdulkadir Yaro, said the attackers fled around 3 a.m. after being overwhelmed.
“Unfortunately, they set fire to residential houses and other property, but no life was lost. Our gallant troops and members of the Civilian JTF, Hunters, and volunteers responded to distress calls and successfully repelled the terrorists,” he added, commending the security operatives for their timely and coordinated response.
Residents praised security agencies for their presence and reassurance.
Ibrahim Hassan, a local, described the assault as “coordinated and planned. They chased people and set fire to homes, vehicles, and shops. Many of us were asleep and only woke up because of the noise and shouting.”
He said security personnel remained in the community after the attack and assured continued surveillance.
Following the attacks, Governor Babagana Zulum declared a state-wide day of fasting and prayers on Monday, November 24, to seek divine intervention.
In a broadcast, Zulum urged residents of all faiths to participate.
“Despite recent sporadic attacks, Borno State has witnessed a reasonable degree of stability.
However, the unfortunate situation in the state, nation, and globe is a matter of grave concern. As people of faith, we believe our security strategy must be underpinned by prayers,” he said.
He called on residents to seek divine protection against sabotage and evil-doers, while commending their resilience and support for security forces.
“Your steadfastness, through relentless prayers, fasting, and support for our troops, Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters, and vigilantes, has been a source of inspiration and strength,” he said.
