A recent attack by suspected Boko Haram militants in Borno State has resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and an undisclosed number of civilians. The assault took place in the newly resettled Yamtake community, located in the Gwoza Local Government Area, around 11:15 p.m. on Thursday night.
Security sources confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers stormed the military formation in Yamtake, causing significant damage before a reinforcement team could be deployed from Gwoza. One military source noted that the situation was dire, saying, “We are waiting for the reinforcement team to return, but we learnt that two of our men and other civilians were affected.”
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident, highlighting that the Yamtake community had recently been resettled by the Borno State Government. “It is unfortunate that our people in Yamtake village came under deadly Boko Haram invasion last night (Thursday). It’s one of the communities that received its IDPs recently, they were resettled by Borno State Government,” Ndume stated.
The senator further conveyed his condolences, saying, “It is very sad that two soldiers paid the supreme price, while an unspecified number of innocent civilians were among the casualties. May their gentle souls rest in peace.” He also praised the bravery of the military forces in the region, particularly Brigadier General Nasir Abdullahi and his troops, for their efforts in defending Gwoza town from further attacks.
Senator Ndume noted that, after wreaking havoc in Yamtake, the Boko Haram militants attempted to infiltrate Gwoza town. However, the military successfully repelled their efforts. “I was reliably informed that the attackers, after wreaking havoc in Yamtake, made an attempt to infiltrate Gwoza town, but the troops played a gallant role to repel the attack,” he explained. “On several occasions, troops lay ambush in and around Gwoza town, which helped in preventing terrorists from dislodging Gwoza people living in the Council Headquarters.”
The senator further expressed concern over the increasing frequency of attacks by Boko Haram in the region. He emphasized that several communities across Borno State, including South, North, and Central Senatorial Districts, have witnessed similar assaults without significant military confrontation. “The situation is worrisome,” he remarked.
In response to the escalating violence, Senator Ndume has called for the establishment of Armed Community Defence forces to complement military efforts. He pointed out that local defenders, such as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes, are doing their best but are often limited by inadequate resources. “Men of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they have limitations, as they only carry den guns and sticks, which makes it difficult to confront the terrorists,” he said.
Additionally, he reiterated his call for the federal government and the Nigerian military to deploy more advanced technology, equipment, and ammunition to strengthen the fight against Boko Haram insurgents. “I want to reiterate my calls on the federal government and the Nigerian Military to deploy Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, Motivation (TEAAM), which is the only way to end the over-decade Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, North East, and other parts of the country,” he urged.
