Properties destroyed as suspected terrorists attack community in Borno state

Several properties have been destroyed after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Debiro Community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno state on Sunday, February 15.

According to residents of the community, the attackers, numbering about forty, arrived on sixteen motorcycles disguised as local vigilantes and attempted to gather members of the community who ran into the bush in fear. The assailants afterwards launched an attack, destroying every property in sight.

Although no life was lost in the failed mission, they went ahead to burn a church, about twenty-five houses, foodstuffs, and the available vehicles found in the community.

“After a successful harvest, almost all have not transported their food items to Biu, thinking peace has returned, until suddenly this attack of last Sunday. They came in disguise, wearing vigilantes’ uniforms, and they wanted to gather people who ran into the bush before launching an attack. Looking at the rocky nature of our community, they could not pursue us with their motorcycles,” a resident said

Debiro, an agrarian community, is located about forty-eight kilometers away from Biu, the headquarters of the Biu Local Government Area of the state.

The insurgents in the last two weeks had attacked Harang and Tarfa communities, killing five people, including a pastor. The poor road network has always been a major problem, denying the military a swift response whenever there are attacks in the areas.