Insurgents kill 30, abduct 60 ladies in Borno

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

Suspected Boko Haram militants reportedly carried out deadly attacks between Thursday and Sunday in Kummabza village, Damboa local government area of Borno state, killing 30 persons and  abducted over 60 ladies, residents of the area told newsmen yesterday.

Malam Shettima Kolo said the insurgents, armed with sophisticated weapons had driven into the area in several vehicles and unleashed terror on villagers between  Thursday and Sunday.

“The attackers are Boko Haram members and they were  over 30 who invaded our village, they were driven in five vehicles painted in army colour and they all carried different guns. They opened fire on    people as soon as they arrived.

“Many people just woke up while many were forced out of their houses. People were fleeing into the nearby bushes when they saw the attackers but they were being pursued even into the bush.

Malam Kolo, who claimed to narrowly escaped by the whiskers, said the insurgents razed the entire  village, after cating away assorted food items and livestock.

“The insurgents surrounded the village. They attacked the village from all directions, We lost 30 people and abducted over 60 teenage girls. My friend and my a neighbor were among the dead but I managed to escape and left my family,” he said.

The resident added that many of the injured persons were on admission at the Damboa General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were referred to the state capital.

The Damboa Council Chairman, Al-Amin Mohammed could not be reached on phone for confirmation. However secretary of the council, Modu  Mustapha who spoke to journalists said he was not authorized to comment on the matter.

Attempts to get security agencies to speak on the incident were unsuccessful as at press time.