Military, vigilante repel attack, kill several insurgents in Borno

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

Soldiers and youth vigilante, popularly known as Civilian JTF, yesterday repelled an attack launched by suspected Boko Haram gunmen in Borno state, killing several insurgents.

Though the military declined comment on the incident, however credible sources told newsmen that scores of gunmen had stormed Kawuri village, Konduga local government area of the state in the afternoon, but met stiff resistance from combined efforts of federal troops deployed to the area and the civilian JTF.

Our correspondent reported that Kawuri, which had witnessed series of deadly attacks in the past, has a direct linkage to the major hide-out of the Boko Haram in Sambisa forest.

The area, which is about 60 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital, has suffered deadly attack early this year, which claimed over 100 lives.

It was gathered that the latest failed onslaught occurred when dozens of militants, armed with assault rifles and explosives invaded the area at about 1am and started firing sporadic shots.

The attackers invaded the village in three Hilux vehicles and several motorcycles and attempted to wreak havoc on innocent community.

The gunmen were said to have been engaged by civilian JTF and some military troops deployed to guard the village, leading to a gun-duel.

A vigilante youth who actively took part in the repelled attack, Mamman Yakubu told newsmen that scores of the terrorists were killed in the failed attack.

“We were able to kill many of the terrorists who invaded our community yesterday night, at about 1a.m.; they came in droves, but with the assistance of the security operatives and residents, we repelled the attack.

He added: “The attackers were very sharp in picking dead bodies of their colleagues on the streets; even this morning, there are three dead bodies of the attackers recovered while many died in the bush when we pursued them through the Sambisa forest.

There was no casualty recorded from the sides of the villager, soldiers and the vigilant. Similarly, no single house or structure was destroyed by the terrorists because we had already got information of the planned attack and prepared well for them”.