Scores of extremists of the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) – arriving in trucks and on motorcycles – invaded the northwestern town of Dikwa in Borno State on Monday, attacking a military base and destroying properties worth millions.
Witnesses said the attackers stormed the town in the Dikwa Local Government Area at about 5pm and headed straight to the military base where there was an exchange of fire for at least five hours.
A source, who asked to remain anonymous, said the attackers went from house to house, apparently in search of ‘certain people’.
Houses belonging to members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), a local primary health department and the police station were destroyed. The humanitarian hub was torched and NGO vehicles were stolen.
Two women were seriously injured when the Shehu Massa internally displaced persons’ camp was set alight.
Military reinforcements, including fighter jets and a helicopter gunship, were deployed to help repel the attackers, a military source told TRT World.
In fear of their lives, many residents fled to Ajari village in the Mafa Local Government Area in Borno State.
Another source said the attackers left Dikwa at about 11am on Tuesday.
Edward Kallon, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, strongly condemned the attack. He said he was deeply concerned about the safety and security of civilians, the internally displaced persons in and outside camps and the many residents who had fled and were returning to Dikwa.
He said the violent attack had resulted in almost 100,000 people needing humanitarian help and protection, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic risk was spreading in Borno State.
Kallon urged the armed parties to stop the violence immediately and to respect humanitarian international law and human rights, adding that the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and residents needed to be ensured.
A source told RNI on Wednesday that Dikwa was slowly returning to normalcy.
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