Terrorists Abduct Over 100 Women and Children in Borno Community Attack
Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have reportedly abducted more than 100 women and children during a devastating assault on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack occurred on Wednesday, March 4, and resulted in significant casualties among security forces and local residents.
Coordinated Assault on Military Base and IDP Camp
According to local and security sources, the terrorists first targeted a military base belonging to the 82 Division Task Force Battalion before storming the community and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp. The attackers, leveraging their large numbers, overpowered the troops and proceeded to ransack the area, including surrounding bushes where residents had fled.
"The militants invaded a military base of 82 Division of TF Battalion. They also launched an assault on the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in the community," one source revealed. The assault resulted in the deaths of soldiers, the chief imam of the town, and several community elders, with nine soldier bodies recovered so far, though the exact civilian toll remains unconfirmed.
Mass Abduction and Destruction
During the chaos, the terrorists carried out a mass abduction, seizing over 100 women and children. "We cannot ascertain the actual number of soldiers and civilians killed but nine bodies of soldiers have been recovered so far," a security source stated. The assailants also burned armored tanks and military vehicles, making off with an unquantifiable amount of ammunition.
The attack has forced residents to flee Ngoshe town to the adjoining town of Pulka, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. "Residents have fled Ngoshe town to the adjoining town, Pulka. The attack is very devastating considering that refugees have started returning from Cameroon," another source lamented.
Allegations of Informant Involvement
Sources have raised concerns about possible insider involvement in the coordinated attack. "It’s not possible to carry out such an attack without information from within us. The chief imam and some elders were slaughtered by the terrorists, and over 100 women and children were abducted or missing," one source alleged, hinting at the role of informants in facilitating the assault.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Borno State, particularly in areas hosting IDPs, and underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection measures for vulnerable populations.
