Survivors narrate ordeal after Boko Haram attacked Shettima’s convoy

Boko Haram terrorists on Tuesday attacked the convoy of Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, killing four persons and abducting dozens of people along Dikwa-Ngala road at about 6:35p.m.

The governor was in the convoy of about 100 vehicles, when the insurgents attacked the second half of vehicles heading to Gambouru-Ngala for a campaign rally. The second batch, numbering over 50, were conveying security personnel, politicians, women and top government officials, before insurgents struck at Logoma village.

As the travelers scampered for safety, eight vehicles were also seized by the insurgents, along with the abduction of over three dozens into the bush. The remaining vehicles, according to Baba Kura, the spokesman of Civilian JTF, had to return to Dikwa that night, 25 kilometres from the village.

A survivor, Musty Jidda, told The Guardian that the insurgents targeted the second half of convoy. He explained that the first half of the convoy sped off towards Ngala to reduce the rate of casualties, adding that those close to the scene immediately returned to Dikwa.

Continuing, he added: “But on our way to Dikwa, the soldiers refused to open the Gajibo gate. We have no option than to sleep there with military personnel to protect us from further attacks and ambush. We slept there till Wednesday morning before we were allowed by the military to return to Dikwa, where we waited for Shettima to return from Gambouru-Ngala and proceed to Maiduguri, the state capital.”

Abba Yerima, who was also in the convoy, said: “Immediately we heard multiple gunshots from the bush and the Kimani military checkpoint, we abandoned the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the Commissioner of Information, Dr. Mohammed Bulama and ran to join other vehicles ahead.”According to him, Bulama had to join the Press Crew bus to reach Gambouru and meet Shettima. “Unfortunately, Baggidos Usmanu, who went after the commissioner’s personal effects, was killed.”

Muhammadu Abubakar, another survivor told The Guardian yesterday that a Civilian JTF member was shot in the head, including a soldier and three civilians. A Gajibo military source also said: “There were 10 vehicles carrying over 100 people that were trapped and stranded after the multiple attacks.”adding that the security situation was brought under control up to the time the governor returned to Maiduguri on Wednesday evening.

“We ensure that the terrorists do not come near to attack our military base, as we are prepared for them.”Continuing, the source added: “We assisted and ensured that the safety of over 20 vehicles that were abandoned is protected.
“Some of the vehicles were recovered through surveillance on Wednesday.

The council chairman of Kala/Balge, Nishad Lawan Musa lamented that his people were also attacked, with the torching of two official
vehicles along the road.He added that three District Heads were also abducted along with their vehicles, while travelling in the governor’s convoy to Gambouru for the campaign rally.

The security situation, according to him, has put him and people into confusion with increased tension.Ten vehicles were involved in multiple accident at various locations along the road to Gambouru. They included four SUVs and six others being towed to Maiduguri on Wednesday by 8pm.
The breakdown of vehicles, were attributed to poor state of road, engine over-heat and sand dunes that dotted along Dikwa-Ngala road.He called on the military and government to come to their rescue and restore peace in Borno and the Lake Chad region.