Borno: Fresh attack leaves 4 soldiers feared dead, 1 civilian dead

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a fresh attack in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving four soldiers and one civilian dead.

The incident reportedly occurred around 12 noon on Wednesday in Mussa community, according to local sources.

Confirming the incident exclusively to PUNCH Online on Thursday, the Chairman of the Local Government, Mada Saidu, said the civilian casualty was a woman.

He said, “There was an attack at Mussa ward yesterday afternoon. They killed one civilian, a lady, and four soldiers.”

Military sources, who spoke with PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said the affected soldiers were personnel of the 115 Task Force Battalion in the local government.

“Four of our troops belonging to the 115 Task Force Battalion were killed while ensuring that the terrorists did not gain entrance into the town.

“The insurgents were not many, but it was a coordinated attack aimed at infiltrating the town. The troops stood their ground, but unfortunately, the four were killed,” one of the sources said.

Residents of the community said they heard gunfire for about 30 minutes, leaving villagers in disarray.

“We were hearing serious gunshots, and many people began to flee their homes at exactly 12pm yesterday.

“If not for the military’s defence, they had intended to enter our community that afternoon to cause massive destruction,” a resident who pleaded not to be identified said.

The attack marks the latest in a series of assaults on civilian and military positions across the state.