Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists again invaded near Chibok, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, kidnapping more than a dozen young girls.
Chibok shot into national and international limelight in April 2014 when Boko Haram attacked Government Secondary School, Chibok, abducting 276 school girls. While more than 100 were rescued, the whereabouts of others have remained unknown.
The terrorists had invaded the the town on Thursday night after shooting in different directions, with the residents fleeing into the bush and surrounding villages.
In the invasion of mainly Pemi village, the terrorists torched not less than 20 houses, including a branch of EYN Church.
Bitrus Yohanna, a resident, said the leader of vigilantes in the community was the main target as the local guards have waged war against the insurgents in the axis.
“It was a sad day for us in Pemi, the insurgents came in large numbers and started raining bullets from different angles; they captured our vigilante commander and slit his throat, many houses were burnt down including EYN Church.” Yohanna disclosed.
Ba’ana Musa, a member of a vigilante group, who joined the local guards that engaged the insurgents in gun battle, said eight of those abducted escaped but 17 girls are in captivity.
“They came in the night and many villagers ran into the bush while 8 women among those abducted later escaped and returned to the village around 11 am today.
“But we are deeply worried over missing young girls. As we speak, not less than 17 young girls are with them.”
First published in Daily Trust