Residents shocked, frightened and angry after heavily armed gunmen raid IDP camp in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, leaving one man dead, wounding several and abducting an undisclosed number.

Displaced persons in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in Nigeria’s northeast, are in shock after armed men shot dead an elderly man in the early hours of Thursday, November 7.

The gunmen, suspected of being members of the insurgent group, the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly known as Boko Haram, crept through the bushes around Muna internally displaced persons’ camp and waited until security officers went on patrol before entering.

They surprised the occupants, most of whom were asleep when the attack occurred at about 1am.

Distraught residents said the suspected insurgents, who were heavily armed, killed a 60-year-old man and wounded several people. They also abducted an undisclosed number of people.

Masa Modu, an official at Muna IDP, told RNI that residents and members of the host community were in shock because of the nature of the attack.

“This is the first time insurgents have actually entered the camp premises in recent times. We are used to attacks happening on farms and on the outskirts of town where there are a lot of bushes. But Boko Haram has not come inside the camp for a long time.

“Residents are extremely frightened. Usually attacks, including killings, robberies and kidnappings for ransom, happen on the outside. Mostly it is farmers and people who collect wood and go into remote areas who are the victims.”

Modu said he was woken by loud gunfire.

“It was in the early hours of Thursday. The camp was quiet because everyone was asleep. The next thing, there were loud gunshots and women started screaming.

“The insurgents had waited in the bushes outside the camp until security officers went out on night patrol.

“An elderly man was killed; several people were wounded. The attackers abducted some people. Now we are calling on the government to beef up security. It is extremely concerning that the insurgents managed to get inside the camp without anyone spotting them.”

Lawan Abatcha, a camp resident, said security operatives had told people not to plant grains and other crops on the land around the outside of the camp but no one listened.

“People planted maize and millet, which are now tall. It is easy for the insurgents to hide among the crops and it is difficult to see them. That’s how they were able to penetrate the camp. They lay in wait until they saw security operatives go on patrol. They crossed over the road and crept into the camp.

“It was only once they were inside and started shooting that we realised we were under attack.”

Abatcha said he woke up to hear loud shots and women screaming.

“When the women began wailing, it alerted members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. The commander quickly informed the military.

“The military arrived soon and encircled the camp. There was some exchange of fire but unfortunately, the insurgents managed to escape through the bushes.

“This is the first time the insurgents have entered the camp in recent times. That’s why everyone is so shocked and frightened.”

Malum Bana Marte told RNI that residents were not only frightened and in shock, but they were also angry that insurgents had managed to get into the camp.

“The Borno State government must put in place all the necessary measures to ensure residents in community camps are kept safe.

“The insurgents are not bigger than the government. They are not more powerful than the government. They are not smarter than the government. And yet they are getting away with attacks like this. Innocent people are getting killed. The man who was shot was elderly. He was not a threat to anyone.

“We know the government is trying to safeguard people. But it is obvious from this brazen attack that insurgents will take any opportunity they can. Stringent security measures are needed to stop them so that we can live in peace.”

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO