Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly attack on Yamtake, a resettled community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, on Thursday night, killing two soldiers and several civilians.
Security sources confirmed the attack occurred around 11:15pm. A military officer said the assailants stormed the Yamtake military base before reinforcements could arrive.
“We are waiting for the reinforcement team to return, but we learnt that two of our men and other civilians were affected. I advise we wait until they return,” the officer said.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, expressed his grief over the incident.
“It is unfortunate that our people in Yamtake village came under deadly Boko Haram invasion last night (Thursday). It’s one of the communities that received its IDPs recently, they were resettled by Borno State Government,” Ndume said.
He added, “It is very sad that two soldiers paid the supreme price, while an unspecified number of innocent civilians were among the casualties. May their gentle souls rest in peace.”
Ndume commended the military for preventing further attacks in the area.
“But let me also commend Brig. Gen. Nasir Abdullahi, the Brigade Commander 26 Task Force and his gallant troops for their unwavering sacrifices and doggedness in repelling several attacks, especially those targeted at Gwoza town.
“I was reliably informed that the attackers after wreaking havoc in Yamtake made an attempt to infiltrate Gwoza town, but the troops played a gallant role to repel the attack.
READ ALSO: Zulum Laments Renewed Boko Haram Attacks, Says Borno Losing Ground
“On several occasions, troops lay ambush in and around Gwoza town which helped in preventing terrorists who are making all efforts to dislodge Gwoza people living in the Council Headquarters.”
He warned that the spate of attacks across Borno’s three senatorial zones was becoming alarming.
“In the past one month, several communities in Borno South, North and Central Senatorial Districts witnessed deadly Boko Haram attacks without confrontation. The situation is worrisome,” he said.
Ndume called for the creation of an Armed Community Defence initiative to strengthen local resistance.
“Let me therefore use this opportunity to advocate for the setting up of Armed Community Defence to complement the efforts of the military.
“This is because men of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they have limitations, as they only carry dane guns, sticks which they found it very difficult to confront the terrorists,” he said.
He also reiterated his demand for more modern military support.
“More so, I want to reiterate my calls on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Military to deploy Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, Motivation (TEAAM), which is the only way to end the over decade Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, North East and other parts of the country,” Ndume said.
Yamtake’s attack follows other recent deadly incidents in the state. On April 12, eight passengers were killed and 17 injured when their vehicle hit a landmine along Damboa-Maiduguri Highway.
On January 24, 22 soldiers were killed during an assault on Malam-Fatori Military Base. Another attack on March 24 targeted Wajiroko and Wulgo military bases, killing at least four soldiers.