’12 killed’ in Boko Haram raids on Borno villages

At least 12 people were killed when Boko Haram insurgents raided two Borno villages on Tuesday.

Military and vigilante sources confirmed the attack to Reuters, saying the first attack happened at Damasak, a border town in Borno state.

“They came in Hilux vehicles (pick up trucks) and motorcycles, set fire to all the houses but all the residents have fled the town since last weekend when troops from the multi-national joint task force (MNJTF) were withdrawing to Niger,” said a vigilante leader who declined to be named.

The second attack occurred at the hamlet of Warsala, on the outskirts of Ngamdu, a town at the border of Yobe and Borno states along a key highway.

“Boko Haram also burnt down all the houses, cars and other vehicles including two trailers,” Bukar Aji, a bus driver  said.

Though the sect has not been able to take control of territories in recent times, it has intensified attacks on soft targets.

Since six years ago when Boko Haram launched its campaign of violence, efforts of the government to put it in check have not yielded the desired result.

The group has stepped up its attack particularly on vulnerable persons, since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office on May 29.

Buhari has vowed to tackle insurgency head-on and has made efforts in this regard.

The president has directed the military command centre to relocate to Maiduguri and has also met with his counterparts in neighbouring countries all in the bid to bring an end to insurgency.

Insecurity is expected to be top on the list of the discussion that Buhari would have with President Barrack Obama during his visit to Washington next Monday.