By Khadija Muhammed | S24 Television
Suspected Boko Haram fighters have violently attacked commercial truck drivers in Borno state, setting three trucks loaded with fish on fire along a major supply route.
The attack happened at the Mile 40 area of Magumeri Local Government Area. The trucks were heading towards Maiduguri when they were intercepted.
Drivers said the terrorists suddenly appeared on the road, forcing them to abandon their vehicles and flee into nearby bushes.
Thankfully, all the drivers escaped safely, but the trucks two Peugeot J5 vehicles and a bus fully loaded with fish were completely burnt.
One of the drivers, who spoke emotionally, said he helplessly watched his means of survival go up in flames.
He added that attacks on the road have become more frequent, with insurgents now openly stopping vehicles to loot and destroy them.
According to the drivers, the lack of security presence on the road has made it easier for terrorists to carry out these attacks repeatedly. They explained that only a few military checkpoints exist along the long route, leaving large stretches dangerously unprotected.
This incident comes just days after similar attacks in the area, where trucks carrying livestock and food items were intercepted, looted and set ablaze.
Drivers fear that if nothing is done urgently, businesses transporting food to Maiduguri may completely collapse.
They strongly called on the federal government and security agencies to urgently deploy troops on the road, similar to security arrangements on the Gwoza axis, to protect lives, goods and livelihoods.
