Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a deadly attack on mourners in Kwaple, a village near the Chibok Local Government Area in Borno State, Nigeria. The incident occurred around 7 pm on Monday when the terrorists descended on the village during a funeral rite for a community member.
According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists opened fire on the mourners, killing 15 people, mostly men, and abducting many others. A local source who pleaded not to be identified revealed that the terrorists also burnt an EYN church in the area, five houses, and other properties.
The Chairman of Chibok Local Government Area, Modu Mustapha, confirmed the attack, stating, “The terrorists attacked during a funeral, a lot of people were killed.” The chairman’s statement corroborates the eyewitness accounts of the attack.
The attack is said to have been a horrific experience for the villagers, with many describing the scene as devastating. The terrorists reportedly arrived in the village, shooting indiscriminately and causing widespread destruction. The motive behind the attack is yet to be ascertained.
Efforts to reach the Spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, for details of the attack and other surrounding information proved abortive as he neither picked up nor returned calls. The police response to the attack is yet to be made public.
This latest attack is a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the region. The Borno State government and security agencies must take concrete steps to address the insecurity and protect the lives of citizens.
This attack comes on the heels of other security challenges in the region, including a recent landmine explosion that killed two soldiers in Borno. The government must take a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the insecurity and provide support to affected communities.
