Confusion persists over the exact number of military casualties following a terrorist attack on the 152 Task Force Battalion in Banki, a border community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Several civilian survivors have been evacuated across the border to Mora, Cameroon, for treatment, while many residents have fled the community for safety.
The assault, which occurred on Thursday night, reportedly claimed five civilian lives, according to local officials.
It is the latest in a series of deadly incidents in Bama LGA, including the recent Darajamal attack that left 63 people dead.
Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, confirmed the attack and the death of one soldier.
“It’s true that our troops had an encounter with the terrorists/insurgents at Banki on Thursday night. The troops were not dislodged as alleged. There was a serious firefight between our troops and the terrorists. The troops are still at their base, although we lost a soldier during the encounter,” Kangye said.
He added that the Acting GOC of the 7 Division visited the area the following day for an on-the-spot assessment and confirmed that the situation was under control, with troop morale remaining high.
“The Ag. GOC 7 Division was there physically on the ground the next day in order to have an on-the-spot assessement of the situation. He confirmed that the situation has been brought under control and the troops are on high spirit,” Kangye stated.
Our correspondent gathered that more than four military vehicles were set ablaze during the attack.
The Information Officer of Bama Local Government, Babagana Abatcha, told our correspondent: “I can only tell you that we lost five civilians, and six sustained injuries.
“As I speak, they are currently receiving treatment in Cameroon hospitals.”
However, Abatcha was silent on whether civilian casualties were discussed between local and military authorities.
A press statement issued after the attack noted that Bama LGA Chairman, Modu Ali Gujja, visited the military authority but did not disclose the outcome of the meeting.
“Hon. Modu Ali Gujja encourages the community to remain strong, urging them to continue praying for lasting peace in the region. He also noted that the governor, Zulum, has offered the sum of N500,000 be paid to each family of those who lost their loved ones in the attack,” the statement read.
It added, “Hereafter, the Executive Chairman of Bama LGA, visited the army barracks of Banki town to sympathise with the victims and their family members.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, local officials confirmed that many residents have crossed into Cameroon for refuge. The Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Gana Alh Chibu, said:
“Many residents fled to Cameroon. What happened was that the town was first attacked before they hit the military camp. As for the military casualties, I don’t have an idea. But I am aware they set many military vehicles ablaze.”
Another resident, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the injured were responding to treatment.
“The government has visited us and reassured us of tight security. My cousin who suffered from injury is among the victims in the hospital. I am aware they are at least recuperating,” the source said.
Residents of Bama LGA are now calling for more troops and equipment, citing the twin attacks within two weeks.
One resident, Bila Abdullahi, said, “Something has to be done. In the last two weeks, they attacked Darajamal, which is not far from us and killed many people. Now, they have attacked us. Who knows if they will return? Who even knows if they have not surrounded Bama?
“There is the need for more military support in our local government to ensure the protection of people.”
He also appealed for more assistance to support survivors undergoing treatment.
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