Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly killed five farmers and abducted 15 others in the Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
The attack occurred just hours after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum assured farmers of enhanced security during their Independence Day messages.
The incident happened as farmers were working in their fields when armed terrorists launched the deadly assault. Among the victims was Jubril Zarana, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who died heroically while assisting security forces in defending the community from the onslaught.
Sources from the area reported that the terrorists stormed the farmlands and brutally executed five individuals. Jubril Zarana lost his life in the encounter, which also resulted in the abduction of 15 people, including children, women, and elderly individuals.
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A local source revealed to Vanguard: “We deeply regret to inform you of the abduction of approximately 15 farmers by Boko Haram terrorists in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area. The attack also claimed the lives of Jubril Dada Zarana, a CJTF member, and five other civilians.
The terrorists ambushed the farmers while they were working in their fields. Despite the efforts of security forces, including the Army and CJTF, they were unable to hold off the attackers for long.”
The source continued, “After reaching their base, the terrorists brutally executed five of the captives: Isa Musa Moh’d Diyara, Doglas, Salawuddin Suleman Dauda Lawan, Maryam Gwambran, and Baba Amos.”
According to another local source, three women captives were later released and returned to the community, reporting that several other hostages, including Anna Andrew Gadzawaga, Hauwa Braga, and two young boys, remain in captivity.
The released women confirmed that the whereabouts of several others, including Babawo Kanin Shagari, Ummi Trabos, and Babson Yaron Teacher, are still unknown.
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The community has been left in despair following the attack, with local residents calling on the government to provide more security and support. “On this Independence Day, meant to celebrate freedom, human rights, and progress, our people are instead experiencing sorrow, fear, and hopelessness,” a community leader lamented.
“Despite severe hardships and the lack of basic necessities, they choose to remain in their homeland out of love for their country. Neither the government nor NGOs have provided them with food supplies, and the little farming they do to survive comes at the risk of their lives,” the leader added.