At least 14 people have been killed in an insurgent attack on Kwaple, a village 5km from Chibok in Borno State. Many people are still missing.

The attackers, believed to be members of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram, stormed the village at about 6pm on Monday, April 28, as residents were gathering to pay their last respects at the funeral of a community member.

Indiscriminate gunshots

A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told Ndarason that the attackers stormed the village, firing indiscriminately on the mourners and at anyone else in sight.

“They were shooting from all directions,” he said. “Many mourners had gathered at the funeral of a community member. When the shooting started, some people fell to the ground. Others ran for their lives. Some people ran into neighbouring communities and nearby bushes for safety.

“Hours after the attack, they were still missing. We do not know whether they are alive or not. Security operatives and residents are still looking for survivors who might be too scared to return.”

Another resident said: “A group of young people playing football on a nearby field started screaming and shouting when the shots began. They ran as fast as they could.

“At this stage 14 bodies have been found. But we think there could be far more.

“The attackers burnt down the church and many houses. Apart from the horror of the attack, many villagers are now homeless too.

“The motive behind the attack is unknown, but many people are afraid of what will happen next. We are afraid the attackers will return,” he said.

Response and casualties

Modu Mustapha, the chairman of the Chibok Local Government Area, confirmed the attack, stating that it started at about 6pm on Monday.

“They were gathered for the funeral prayer when the insurgents stormed the village. Many people were shot and wounded. Some were severely wounded. We took them to Mubi General Hospital in nearby Adamawa State.”

Mustapha said the death toll might be higher than 14 because some of the wounded ran into the bushes to escape the attackers and many people are still missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to assist those who fled and who might need medical attention.

Condemnation

Senator Ali Ndume (All Progressives Congress, Borno South) has consistently condemned the attacks, describing the security situation in the state as “beyond human imagination”.

“Yesterday [Sunday], I received a distress call that more than 10 members of vigilante groups were killed in a community between the Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State and Garkida town in Adamawa State.

“My people are suffering severe casualties with no confrontation. In the past month, more than 100 people have been killed in several coordinated attacks in Sabon Gari, Izge, Kirawa, Pulka, Damboa, Chibok, Askira Uba, and other areas.

“This violence must be stopped. People cannot be expected to live like this. Security must be improved for all the people of Borno State so that they can stop living in fear,” Ndume said.

AYSHA MUSTAPHA KOLOMI