Ten hunters lost their lives during a gun battle with Boko Haram terrorists in Kopire village, located within the Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The attack occurred last Sunday as the hunters were responding to a distress call regarding an impending terrorist threat in the area.
The confrontation, which took place near the border between Adamawa and Borno states, marks another grim chapter in the ongoing violence caused by the insurgent group.
Kopire village, which lies along the border of Hawul Local Government Area in Borno State, is no stranger to Boko Haram activity, with the group frequently launching attacks in the region.
The hunting team, drawn from various areas, was initially mobilized after reports that terrorists had regrouped in the vicinity, preparing to launch further attacks on local communities.
Shawulu Yohanna, Chairman of the Hunters/Vigilante Association of Nigeria, North Eastern chapter, confirmed the tragic deaths and noted the challenges his team faces in their efforts to protect the communities.
“I can confirm to you that 10 of my people/hunters lost their lives in an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists last Sunday,” Yohanna said. “You know that there was an attack in some communities of Hong in Adamawa. After the attack, I received a distress call that the attackers were regrouping to launch another deadly attack, so we mobilised 40 of our hunters.”
Yohanna described the deadly encounter, which lasted for several hours, but noted that the hunters, despite their bravery, ran out of ammunition. As a result, the terrorists succeeded in overpowering the group.
The bodies of the fallen hunters have been recovered, with three of them hailing from Hawul Local Government Area in Borno, one from Biu Local Government Area, and the rest from Garkida in Adamawa State.
The Hunter’s Association chairman expressed deep concern about the increasing frequency of terrorist attacks, particularly in southern Borno, which has seen a surge in violent incidents.
“The rate at which Boko Haram terrorists are regrouping and attacking communities is very alarming as they are much more armed than before,” Yohanna said. He further pointed out that while Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has been doing commendable work to protect the region, the efforts are being undermined by the continuous attacks.
Yohanna also alleged that Boko Haram militants are being transported by a red helicopter to undisclosed locations, making it harder for security forces to track their movements. He called on the federal government to provide more advanced weapons and resources to his team.
“If the federal government can wade in and provide us with sophisticated weapons, we will eliminate these terrorists in no distant time,” he assured.
Senator Ali Ndume, whose district includes Hawul, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased hunters and wished the injured a swift recovery. He also praised the determination and bravery of Yohanna and his team, who have been at the forefront of defending local communities.
Senator Ndume emphasized the urgency of the federal government’s response to the crisis, calling for the provision of vital resources to the troops on the frontlines.
