Barely hours after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum assured farmers of adequate security in their independence messages, Boko Haram terrorists attacked the Ngoshe Community in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, killing at least five individuals.
Sources indicated that during the attack, five of the abducted farmers were slaughtered, along with a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Jubril Zarana, who had actively collaborated with security agents to thwart the attack. A reliable source stated, “We sorrowfully announce the abduction of about 15 farmers, including children, women, young and elderly, by Boko Haram terrorists in Ngoshe.”
The attack occurred while the farmers were working in their fields, and although security forces, including the Army and CJTF, attempted to protect the community, they could not hold off the terrorists for long. Jubril Dada Zarana was killed while defending the farmers, while the others were taken captive.
After being abducted, five victims were brutally slaughtered, including Isa Musa Moh’d Diyara, Doglas, Salawuddin Suleman Dauda Lawan, Maryam Gwambran, Matan Kaka Mobil Aga, and Baba Amos. The terrorists later released three women captives, who reported that the remaining victims, including Anna Andrew Gadzawaga, Hauwa Braga, and two unidentified boys, were still held hostage.
Other missing individuals include Babawo Kanin Shagari, Ummi Trabos, and Babson Yaron Teacher, among others. A message from concerned citizens of Gwoza expressed their sorrow, highlighting the dire situation they face.
“Today should be a day of celebration for our independence, but for our people, it is one of sorrow, despair, and helplessness. They are suffering greatly due to the lack of essential life support, yet they choose to remain in their homeland out of love for it,” the statement read.
The message also pointed out that neither the government nor NGOs are providing food supplies, forcing the local population to risk their lives to harvest whatever they can.