By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
Suspected Boko Haram fighters launched another deadly assault on Kirawa community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and leaving several motorists injured.
Witnesses said the attackers set ablaze six vehicles loaded with food items and other belongings during the incident, forcing passengers to flee into the bush for safety.
Confirming the development, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, condemned the attack and called on military authorities to urgently deploy troops to Kirawa and other border communities.
“One of our brave Civilian JTF members was killed in this ambush, and motorists were left helpless,” Ndume said. “Since Cameroonian troops withdrew from Kirawa last month, these communities have been left without adequate protection. I am appealing to the authorities to deploy even a platoon of soldiers to safeguard lives and property.”
The lawmaker warned that the absence of a military presence in Kirawa, which borders Cameroon, has emboldened insurgents to intensify attacks. He stressed that local vigilantes and JTF members, though committed, cannot withstand heavily armed militants without support.
Residents told journalists that the area has remained vulnerable since the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) base in Kirawa was dislodged by insurgents. Families in the community are still hoping for the rescue of Aisha Muhammad, a schoolgirl kidnapped by the terrorists about a month ago, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
A resident, Musa Ali, described the situation as unbearable. “We cannot go to the market or travel without fear. Each time we take this road, we are not sure we will return alive. The government must come to our aid,” he said.
Another villager, who gave his name as Fatima Ibrahim, added: “We are tired of burying our people. The terrorists strike at will, and there is no one to protect us. We only want peace and security for our children.”
Security analysts note that Kirawa and surrounding communities have become flashpoints due to their strategic location along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon. The latest incident has heightened fears that food supplies, trade, and livelihoods could be further disrupted if the attacks continue unchecked.
Senator Ndume reiterated his appeal, saying, “The people of Kirawa deserve protection. It is the responsibility of government to ensure they are not left at the mercy of terrorists.”
- For now, the community remains tense as families mourn the slain JTF member and others count their losses from the ambush. Residents continue to call for urgent intervention before more lives are lost.
