25 killed as ISWAP attacks 4 villages in Borno

At least 25 people have been killed by fighters from the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) in separate attacks within two days in the southern part of Borno State.

It was learnt that ISWAP had stormed a remote village, Sabon-Gari in Damboa Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, killing at least 11 persons.

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The village is located about 125 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.

According to a security source, about seven bodies were recovered on Saturday before an additional four were found on Sunday afternoon.

Abu Modu, a member of cjtf disclosed that a woman was among the casualties.

“We (combined security forces) recovered a total of 11 dead bodies of farmers. They were all shot several times. They will be buried later in the day according to Islamic rite.” the source said.

“As we speak now, Sabon Gari has been deserted. Two people wounded from the attacks are now in Damboa town. People have fled the village as a result of fear,” he said.

The attack came barely 24 hours after an attack was reported in Mandaragirau and Ghuma villages in Biu LGA of Borno state. 

It also happened less than 48 hours after the insurgents attacked Kautikari village in Chibok LGA where four persons were killed, including a traditional leader.

Local vigilantes in Mandaragirau village said this was the second time the insurgents had attacked their community in February.

“At least 13 persons were beheaded in Mandaragirau in Biu LGA on Saturday. They accused them of giving information to the soldiers. We are begging the government to help us. We are helpless now,” one of the vigilante sources said.

According to him, “the first time they came, some young men were abducted in our village. Up till today, nothing was heard of them.

“In Ghuma village, they abducted two girls and looted food items. They also razed down shops and took some livestock with them,” he added.

The attack on Mandaragirau and Ghuma villages came barely 24 hours after the insurgents attacked Kautiokari in Chibok LGA where they killed four people including a traditional leader.