Residents of a Borno community have raised alarm over the continuous onslaught by Boko Haram insurgents, following an incident where Governor Babagana Zulum shouted at soldiers for alleged extortion.
Claiming that the soldiers abandoned them after being shouted at by the governor, one community member stated, “The soldiers have left and we are on our own now. Since that day that the governor shouted at soldiers, it appeared all of them left. After that day, there have been attacks on our villages on a daily basis. Travellers are being kidnapped every hour and all the military roadblocks are no more there, because these attackers always go without being confronted by the military.”
Another resident revealed that many people are fleeing the area to seek refuge in Maiduguri and Damaturu. “Villagers in Auno, Jakana, and Benisheik are fleeing in their hundreds to Maiduguri. The insurgents attack at least twice daily in these villages,” the resident said.
Expressing concern over the lack of response from authorities, the resident added, “It is also sad that nobody is talking, except the governor. The elders of Borno are not talking. The NSA, chief of staff to the president, NNPC GMD, and EFCC chairman are all from Borno and none of them is saying anything about this sustained attacks on Damaturu-Maiduguri road. We are really scared right now, and that is why our people are running for safety.”