Many flee as Boko Haram fighters burn down houses in Borno

Residents of Askira town in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State fled when Boko Haram fighters attacked a village on Wednesday.

Witnesses told Daily Trust that the gunmen, who struck in the morning, burnt down several houses.

A witness said the insurgents operated in Krangla community, which is about eight kilometers away from the town.

While some residents fled into bushes and surrounding mountains for safety, a military convoy reportedly escorted the traditional ruler of area out of the town.

Bulama Jonah, one of the parents of the abducted Chibok Girls, said he ran to the bush where he and many other people hid until the situation became relatively calm.

*We ran to the bush for safety; everybody was just running because we heard they burnt Krangla and were advancing to Askira.”

“We returned to the town, though reluctantly, after we heard the military had mobilised troops to intercept them before they reached here. The soldiers are still there.”

A commercial driver, who pleaded anonymity, said as soon as he heard the insurgents were on their way, he fled with his pregnant wife.

Military authorities could not be reached for comment at the time this report was filed.