Victims of the recent Boko Haram attack on Kirawa, a community in Gwoza local government area of Borno state, have recounted the ordeals and strategies the insurgents used to seize the community.
In an interview with our correspondent on Sunday, the victims described the experience as “disastrous.”
One victim, Aji Modu, explained that the terrorists entered the community on motorcycles.
In his words, “They came with motorbikes and started shooting while gradually entering the village.
“On their way, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters tried to hold them off in a gun battle, and they exchanged gunfire.
“The CJTF held the insurgents in a gunfight that lasted for hours, slowing their advance into the community. That gave us enough time to quickly run away.”
Another victim, Mustapha Umar, added that the insurgents succeeded in killing one person and abducting a teenager.
“After many of our people crossed the border while the gun battle was ongoing, the CJTF, who were holding the terrorists at gunfire, also began to withdraw. As soon as they withdrew toward our side, the insurgents overtook the town.
“They captured and entered every corner of the town. They took over almost everywhere and began burning houses.
“Unfortunately, one young man, less than 20 years old, was caught near the immigration office. The insurgents killed him.
“There was also a child, around 13 years old, running with his mother, whom the insurgents captured and took away. So, we had one death and one hostage taken from our community,” he said.
Recounting the losses, a community member identified as Garba said properties including televisions, beds, mattresses, and farm produce were left behind.
“I couldn’t risk my life for material things. I left behind my television, mattresses, and clothes. All were burnt down,” he said.
PUNCH had earlier reported that community members called for a military base in the town following the redeployment of Cameroonian troops after a recent attack.
Days after the attack, our correspondent learned that the state governor, Babagana Zulum, mobilized troops to the community.
Speaking on the issue, Zulum said, “Yes, Cameroonian troops have withdrawn, but that doesn’t mean the Nigerian Army should leave the area vacant.
“We resettled this town about seven years ago, with the support of Cameroonian soldiers. Unfortunately, the returnees were displaced by insurgents.
Regarding the attack, the governor said he had informed the military earlier of the dangers of leaving the community without a military post.
“I duly notified the Nigerian military about the risks of leaving this town without security. This is a border community. Wilgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, among others, are border towns that must be protected given their strategic importance.
“Unfortunately, my request did not receive the attention it deserved, and the insurgents came on Wednesday and vandalized everything we worked so hard to rebuild.
“Lives were lost; 50 houses, heavy-duty equipment, and eight vehicles were burnt down. We thank God the casualties were not more.”
He added, “All of us have agreed that, as soon as possible, the Nigerian army will deploy soldiers to Kirawa town.”
Meanwhile, Yakubu Mabba Ali, Chairman of Kirawa Development Association, noted that the governor promised various social amenities during his visit.
“The governor said he will bring the military here. He said he is going to consider our roads, hospitals, and provide palliatives to our people,” he said.
Residents Plan to Return
Our correspondent gathered that residents have begun returning to the community after spending several days in a Cameroonian village called Sabon Kasuwa.
Speaking with Khadijat Sanni through a language interpreter, she said the state government has deployed a local security outfit in the community.
“The government deployed some members of the vigilante group called Karan-Kara to Kirawa. Their presence gave us the assurance to return,” she said.
Those who escaped the attack to Maiduguri confirmed to PUNCH that they held a meeting on Monday (yesterday) alongside their district head, who was previously displaced to Cameroon.
One of them, Aliyu Liman, said at the meeting they planned strategies to raise funds to assist the most affected families.
He added that their plan to return stems from the need to resume farming activities they left midway.
“Ninety percent of our people are farmers. Take me for instance; I left behind my bean farm. Now that I am aware peace has returned, I do not want to continue staying here in Maiduguri.”
Speaking about the meeting, Aliyu said, “We met with the district head yesterday in the Polo area of Maiduguri. Our discussion focused on how to assist our loved ones who were most affected. We are contacting organizations and people near and far across Nigeria to support the community with funds.
“Whatever we raise by the time we return will be used to cushion the effects of the attack for families in one way or another,” he explained.
According to him, many dignitaries and community members present made significant donations totaling 600,000 naira.
“In the meeting, indigenes of the community residing in Maiduguri showed us solidarity.
“As of yesterday, about 600,000 naira was raised. We intend to use the fund to support the community until the state government fulfills its pledge.”
Providing more details, he said, “More than 50 people gathered yesterday. Prominent people from our town were present, including the Chairman of Kirawa Development Association, Yakubu Mabba Ali; Barrister Abba; Former Education Secretary Muhammad Abba, among others. Many dignitaries were present.
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