TheNewsGuru

Tag: Borno

  • ISWAP kill 10 soldiers, kidnap one in Borno

    Islamic State-linked Jihadists have killed 10 Nigerian soldiers while they took one as a hostage at a fierce battle in Borno State on Monday, as confirmed by two security sources.

    The gunbattle occurred when a team of soldiers invaded a camp of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Alagarno village in Damboa district.

    “We lost ten soldiers in the fight, and the terrorists took one,” a security source told AFP on Tuesday.

    The hostage was seized while fleeing to safety after the troops were outgunned, he said.

    “It was an intense battle, and the terrorists also suffered casualties, but they were able to overwhelm the soldiers,” said a second security source who confirmed the toll. The insurgents seized four vehicles, including a truck and an armoured vehicle, the second source said. Both sources asked not to be identified.

    Alagarno, which lies 150 kilometres (90 miles) from regional capital Maiduguri, is a stronghold of ISWAP, which split from the Boko Haram jihadists’ group in 2016 and rose to become a dominant force.

    ISWAP has increasingly been attacking civilians, killing and abducting people on highways as well as raiding villages for food supplies.

    On Tuesday, ISWAP said its fighters killed seven soldiers while repelling an attack in Alagarno forest.

    “Clashes took place with a variety of weapons, which led to the killing of seven elements and taking an eighth prisoner,” the group said in a statement, according to SITE Intelligence, which monitors jihadist activities worldwide.

    The insurgents seized “an array of weapons” and vehicles, the statement said. ISWAP claimed it killed four Nigerian troops on the same day in a separate attack near the town of Gamboru close to the border with Cameroon.

    AFP could not independently verify the claim. At least 36,000 people have been killed and around two million displaced from their homes since the start of the conflict 11 years ago.

    The violence has spread to neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the militant groups.

  • Borno killings: We won’t accept mass burial again, CAN warns Buhari-led govt

    Borno killings: We won’t accept mass burial again, CAN warns Buhari-led govt

    The Christian Association of Nigeria on Friday added its voice to the growing condemnation of the massacre of at least 78 rice farmers by the Boko Haram terrorists last Saturday in Zabarmari community in Borno State.

    The association said mass burial without Nigeria being in a full-scale war was “unprecedented and unacceptable.”

    In a statement by Pastor Bayo Oladeji, the Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the CAN President, Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle, the group noted that condolence visits after many souls had been wasted were unacceptable.

    CAN said, “The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria has condemned in strong terms the killing of no fewer than 43 rice farmers in Borno State by unknown persons suspected to be terrorists. We call on the security agencies to stop the unending mass killings by the criminals who now operate with impunity all over the country but more devastatingly in the North-East and North-West of the country.

    “We are shocked, disturbed, saddened to learn that criminals suspected to be terrorists, but for which a terrorist group had claimed responsibilities, invaded the Garin Kwashebe community and murdered the innocent farmers while harvesting their products.

    “As usual, the number of the deceased gruesomely murdered remains disputed by the Federal Government. To us at CAN, 43 was not only frightening but inexcusable by those who should have prevented it. The massacre was wicked and completely satanic.

    “A situation where the terrorists and bandits are taxing farmers before they are allowed to work on their farms is unprecedented, and the government must stop it before it is too late. We are in a recession in the country, yet, criminals are still preventing farmers from going to the farm to harvest. We are not aware of any country where similar lawlessness is taking place without being adequately checked.

    “CAN calls on the security agencies to wake up from their prolonged slumber and save their image. The government is urged to think out of the box and take adequate steps to bring the terrorists to their knees rather than finding excuses to justify the failure of governance. Mass burial without a full-scale war is unprecedented and unacceptable.”

    The association noted that it was pained to observe that “killings and kidnapping of people are no longer news in the country, and no one is immune from it.”

    While reassuring all that we at CAN will not give up praying for this nation, we urge the government to fulfil its responsibility of protecting lives and property.

    “Sympathy through press statements or condolence visits after many souls have been wasted are not acceptable anymore. What we need is adequate protection of lives and property by those we have put in charge to do so,” the association noted.

  • Borno massacre is one of most gruesome murder by Boko Haram in Nigeria – Sultan

    Borno massacre is one of most gruesome murder by Boko Haram in Nigeria – Sultan

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has described the Borno killing as the most gruesome murder carried out by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists.

    Boko Haram terrorists had on Saturday stormed Koshebe community killing at least 43 people.

    But speaking on Wednesday during an event in Sokoto, the Sultan asked Nigerian leaders to rise up to the challenge of insecurity facing the country.

    He also called on the Muslim faithful not to forget to pray for god’s intervention to end the security crisis.

    “We are most devastated with what happened in Borno some few days back. It is one of the most gruesome murders carried out in this country for such a large number of people,” he said.

    “We want to go back to the almighty Allah always; there we have peace of mind because he does what he wants to do at the time he wants to.

    “We are not challenging almighty Allah. Rather we are thanking him for opening our eyes the more for us as leaders to wake up to our responsibilities.”

    READ ALSO: Borno Killings: Northern Elders Lament, Claim Life Has Lost Value Under Buhari’s Administration

    Following the deadly attack, there has been conflicting figures on the number of casualties in the troubled northeast.

    While the United Nations put the number of dead victims at 110, the military authorities insist that only 43 were killed.

    The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria Mr. Edward Kallon had in a statement on Sunday, condemned the assault, calling for the immediate release of several persons who were kidnapped.

    Kallon further stated that such direct attacks against innocent civilians jeopardize the ability for the most vulnerable people to survive the adversity they are facing which the UN is striving to alleviate.

    According to him, such direct attacks against innocent civilians jeopardize the ability for the most vulnerable people to survive the adversity they are facing which the UN is striving to alleviate.

    “I strongly condemn this attack and any act of violence against innocent civilians and I firmly urge all actors on the ground to respect international laws and humanity,” Kallon said.

    “The entire UN system and the humanitarian community working to provide life-saving and development assistance to the most vulnerable in Borno State is outraged by the incident.

  • Borno massacre: More efforts is needed to defeat these blood-thirsty insurgents – Tinubu

    Borno massacre: More efforts is needed to defeat these blood-thirsty insurgents – Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress chieftain, Bola Tinubu, has said Saturday onslaught on rice farmers by Boko Haram in Borno State showed that the war against insurgents requires more efforts to win.

    Tinubu stated this in a condolence letter to Governor Babagana Zulum on Wednesday titled, ‘Commiserating with Gov. Zulum, Borno People over Zabarmari Tragedy’.

    At least 43 rice farmers were beheaded by the insurgents in Zabarmari area of Borno State last Saturday. The horrific killing has been condemned nationally and internationally, with many calling on the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to seek external support and rejig the country’s security apparatus to overcome the terrorists.

    “The cold-blooded murder of these innocent citizens, toiling to eke out a living for themselves and their families and provide food security for our nation is not only callous but satanic,” Tinubu stated.

    “Your Excellency, this unfortunate incident despite your spirited efforts in complementing the efforts of the Federal security forces is a sad reminder that the war against these desperate and blood-thirsty insurgents will require more efforts to win,” he noted.

    The former Lagos State governor also acknowledged Zulum’s efforts in resettling persons displaced by the marauders.

    “I recall your strident sacrifices to ensure that millions of displaced Borno residents are resettled in their ancestral homes and return to their various occupations. These efforts have not only helped in increasing agricultural output but have also given joy to the displaced.

    “My hope and prayer is that Allah will give you the courage to continue to provide succour to your people even in the face of this rather depressing event.

    “My condolences go to the families of the deceased and the entire Borno citizenry. My prayer is that Allah will give comfort them and bring quick recovery to the injured. May he also grant the deceased eternal rest,” Tinubu added.

  • Zabarmari killing: Gov Zulum reveals real reason Boko Haram killed farmers in Borno

    Zabarmari killing: Gov Zulum reveals real reason Boko Haram killed farmers in Borno

    Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has revealed that the Boko Haram terrorist group murdered dozens of Zabarmari farmers and residents for giving out intelligence to the military.

    Contrary to claims that the people of the state were not cooperating or giving intelligence to the military, the governor said many residents have been killed by terrorists for exposing them to the military.

    Zulum, stated this through his spokesman, Isa Gusau, in a tweet, adding that Boko Haram confirmed that its fighters killed Zabarmari farmers for giving out information about their movement to the military.

    He wrote: “This is one of many consequences of Borno peoples’ cooperation in years now. Many have died for giving intelligence to soldiers, yet the communities won’t stop. Many have followed soldiers to the battles and died, yet they won’t stop. Let us hear one idiot accuse the Borno people again.

    “They said Borno people do not cooperate but here is the latest example; the Boko Haram just announced that they beheaded dozens of Zabarmari farmers for informing soldiers about their movement and for capturing one of their men and handing over to soldiers recently.”

    Boko Haram had killed several rice farmers in Zabarmari, Jere Local Government Area of the state.

    The commander of the terrorist group, Shekau in a video, on Tuesday, while claiming responsibility for the attack said the farmers were killed because they apprehended their member and handed him over to the military.

    According to Shekau, the insurgents killed at least 78 during last Saturday’s raid on rice farmers and not 43 as claimed by the government.

  • Military air raids hit terrorists’ camps, kill scores in Borno

    Military air raids hit terrorists’ camps, kill scores in Borno

    The Defence Headquarters says the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole has hit terrorists’ camps in Sambisa forest and Yale area of Borno, killing scores in separates air strikes on Monday.

    The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Enenche said the air interdiction missions destroyed some dwellings of Boko Haram terrorists’ leaders in the Sambisa Forest area and at a settlement about 1.7 Km East of Yale, both in Borno.

    He said the air raids were undertaken after credible intelligence and series of aerial surveillance missions.

    He said that this indicated that some terrorists that carried out recent attacks against innocent civilians were harboured in makeshift structures in the areas.

    According to him, the military dispatched Nigerian Air Force fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the two locations.

    “The attack aircraft, while taking turns to engage the targets, delivered lethal bomb and rocket strikes, resulting in the destruction of some of the structures and the killing of several terrorists,” he said.

  • Boko Haram: Zulum tells Buhari to hire mercenaries

    Boko Haram: Zulum tells Buhari to hire mercenaries

    Governor of Borno state, Babagana Zulum has urged President Buhari to emulate predecessor Goodluck Jonathan by hiring mercenaries to fight the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Jonathan had cleared many parts of the state of the terrorists for the 2015 election, using mercenaries from South Africa.

    But the Buhari administration sent them away, reposing confidence in the Nigerian military.

    More than five years after, in a seeming lack of confidence in the military, Borno governor has asked the government to bring in the hired guns, once again.

    Zulum’s recommendation also reinforced the belief among Nigerians that claims by the Buhari administration about Boko Haram being technically defeated were lies.

    And the lies are collapsing daily, the latest being the daring killing by terrorists of between 43 and 110 villagers of Zabarmari in Jere LGA of Borno at the weekend.

    Governor Zulum demanded that the mercenaries be brought back to clear the entire Sambisa forest, where the terrorists are hiding.

    Zulum made the suggestion when he met a delegation of the Federal Government, led by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

    The delegation came to pay a sympathy visit, on behalf of President Buhari, following the Zabarmari massacre.

    Zulum gave five other key recommendations on how to win the war against Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), terrorising the state.

    Among the suggestions is the immediate recruitment of youths into the military to boost its strength.

    Second, he asked the Buhari government to enlist the help of neighbouring Niger Republic, Chad, and Cameroon to clear the remnants of the insurgents in the Lake Chad region and the Mandara mountains.

    Third, Zulum asked for the provision of mine resistance armoured personnel carriers and other equipment for the military, police, and other security agencies involved in the insurgency fight.

    Fourth, he asked the government to support the repatriation of internally displaced people in Cameroon and Niger Republic, as well as increase the livelihood support for the people of Borno State.

    Fifth, he called on President Buhari to increase federal support for residents of Borno State.

    The governor said though the insurgency had dragged on for 11 years, it was persistent because efforts have not been well coordinated.

    He described Saturday’s killings and many others as avoidable occurrences if adequate support and infrastructure had been provided for the Northeast and military.

    Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, who led the delegation, condoled with the government and people of the state over the ugly incident.

    He informed the governor that President Muhammadu Buhari has asked him to assure the people of Borno of his commitment to fighting insurgency.

    The Senate President added that the armed forces have been given marching orders to go and fight the insurgents wherever they are hiding.

    Members of the delegation include the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Ministers of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri.

    Other members are the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) and Senior Special Assistant(Media and Publicity) to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu.

    The delegation was received on arrival at the Airport by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Umar Gadafu.

  • Borno massacre: UN withdraws claim 110 died in Boko Haram attack

    Borno massacre: UN withdraws claim 110 died in Boko Haram attack

    The United Nations has recanted an earlier claim that 110 farmers were killed by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Zabarmari community, Borno State.

    Recall that TheNEwsGuru had earlier published a report on Saturday quoting officials of the Borno State government saying at least 43 farmers lost their lives in an attack by insurgents on a rice field.

    On Sunday, the Borno governor, Babagana Zulum, had during a mass burial of the deceased farmers, told journalists that 43 farmers were killed.

    Later on Sunday evening, the UN issued a statement which quoted the head of the UN System in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, saying that at least 110 farmers were killed in the said attack.

    The UN version of the death toll from Koshobe rice field went viral.

    In the initial UN statement, signed by Eve Sabbagh, UN’s Head of Public Information at the OCHA in Nigeria, Mr Kallon said he was “outraged and horrified by the gruesome attack against civilians carried out by non-state armed groups in villages near Borno State capital Maiduguri.”

    He added that “at least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack.”

    In a new release on Monday, the UN said its initial statement was inaccurate.

    The UN’s head, public information, said the earlier numbers quoted by Mr Kallon were not correctly sourced.

    In an email circulated to reporters, Ms Sabbagh asked journalists to disregard the earlier statement.

    “Please note the number of 110 civilians killed on Saturday’s attack is an unconfirmed number and the correct version of the statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator is the one published yesterday on Reliefweb and used on OCHA Nigeria’s Twitter account:

    In the fresh statement, the humanitarian agency replaced the portion where it quoted “110 deaths” with “unspecified figure”.

    This time around, Mr Kallon was quoted saying “tens of civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack.”

    The remaining paragraphs of the one-paged statement remained the same.

  • 43 farmers killed by Boko Haram have no clearance to farm – Presidency

    43 farmers killed by Boko Haram have no clearance to farm – Presidency

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, has said that the Zambari massacre could have been avoided, as the 43 farmers killed by Boko Haram on Saturday did not have military clearance to be on the rice farms when the attack happened.

    Shehu said this in an interview with BBC on Monday. He said he was not blaming the victims but that the truth must be said.

    The Special Assistant also said the government was sad about the massacre.

    “Forty-three or thereabout of innocent farm workers, most of them had their throats slit by a heartless band of terrorists, he said.”

    Shehu while clearing the air stated that people needed to know what it is like in the Lake Chad Basin area.

    “Much of the area has been liberated from Boko Haram terrorists but there are a number of spaces that have not been cleared for the return of villagers who have been displaced,” he said.

    Shehu noted that all of these places ought to pass the test of military clearances before farmers or settlers resume activities on those fields.

    The President’s spokesman revealed that terrorists had planted land mines in several places in Borno State. He said that nobody ought to go to these places until the military has cleared such places.

    “When people are willing to go back, a lot of those spaces are to be cleared and cast as being OK for human habitation or agricultural activity,” he said.

  • Borno massacre questions national security architectur – Governors

    Borno massacre questions national security architectur – Governors

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said the weekend massacre of 110 rice farmers in Borno state by Boko Haram has raised serious questions about the national security architecture.

    The forum, in a statement by its Chairman and the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Kayode Fayemi, described the attack as morally reprehensible.

    Fayemi said that the governors were concerned that the carnage was degenerating beyond explicable limits.

    The farmers were killed by Boko Haram Garin Kwashebe, Jere Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday.

    He said that the attack brought back ugly memories of several dastardly attacks on soft targets in the state.

    Fayemi noted that the farmers were attacked while harvesting their produce totally oblivious of the danger that awaited them in nearby bushes.

    He said that the method was consistent with the senseless bombings of busy markets, bus stations, schools and abattoirs whenever the terrorists felt overpowered by the security operatives.

    “This sad narrative raises serious questions on the general security situation in the country and around the capability of the nation’s security architecture.

    “It also raises questions on whether or not there are adequate arrangements to protect lives and property.

    “Since insurgency engulfed the country more than a decade ago, each time it seems like the situation is coming under control, the enemy strikes again. This has happened consistently.”

    He said that the catalogue of destruction had an adverse effect on everything in the state and the country at large.”

    Fayemi said that the NGF would collectively review those issues at its next meeting to forge the way forward.