Islamist insurgents belonging to Boko Haram yesterday killed seven people in settlements on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the embattled capital of Borno State. A security operative, a resident and Governor Kashim Shettima confirmed the attacks.
The source disclosed that Boko Haram militants stormed Kochebe, Zabarmari and Massu, all three communities on the outskirts of Maiduguri in Jere local government area of Borno State on Friday evening. “They killed at least seven residents, looted foodstuff and burnt down hundreds of houses,” a resident told our correspondent.
A security official corroborated the information. “They attacked and killed seven people. Two soldiers also died while trying to repel the attack,” he said.
Our sources said the Boko Haram fighters arrived in Zabarmari about 5 p.m. on Friday and started throwing grenades and improvised explosive devices. Soldiers tried to repel them, but the militants succeeded in burning many houses.
Governor Shettima confirmed the casualty figure while speaking to reporters in Zabarmari. The governor commended soldiers for fighting to limit the number of casualties. “Seven people killed is still far lower than what Boko Haram did in Kukawa and Monguno village,” said the governor, adding, “it is still hard to loose any of people.”
The traditional ward head of Zabarmari, Bulama Auwali Hassan, also confirmed the death of seven residents and two soldiers.
“The soldiers tried, but they ran out of ammunition and there was no reinforcement on time,” he said.