29 Villagers Feared Killed In Fresh Borno Attack

A GANG of suspected Boko Haram gunmen in a convoy of Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol-bombs attacked Mussa village in Askira/Uba Council of Borno State, killing 29 people in the early hours of yesterday, a member of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member and survivors has disclosed.

Uba is a border town between Borno and Adamawa states, while Mussa village is about 36 kilometres west the border town. Sunday Wabba, Chairman of the Mussa Youth Development Association (MYDA) also told The Guardian in a telephone interview that the terrorists stormed the community as farmers were returning from orchards and farmlands.

Wabba said: “Another disaster has befallen us today (yesterday), because Boko Haram terrorists have attacked our village and killed everyone on sight.

“They operated till around 3pm before they fled into Sambisa Forest, 25 kilometres from this village. “So far, we have counted the bodies of 29 people and many others sustained gunshot wounds and fractures.

“This is the fourth time they are attacking this year.” Another vigilante, Umoru Jantiku, also said the attackers were large in number, when they burst into the village with arms and explosives.

“They came in broad daylight and opened fire on unsuspecting people. “We are now preparing to recover corpses from the bushes, but so far, 29 people have been confirmed dead,” Umoru stated.

A 45-year-old woman, who lost her husband, said: “Today (yesterday) was the saddest and terrifying day in my entire life. Today (yesterday) is a sad day for me.

“My husband, Sama’ila Bade, was a harmless man, but the Boko Haram terrorists killed him without any cause.” The attack in Mussa was launched after similar after similar onslaught on Konduga, Kukawa and Monguno Councils of Borno State that claimed over 150 lives.