Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have carried out an attack on Debiro community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno, destroying several structures and properties.
The assault occurred on Sunday at about 3:30 pm when around forty attackers stormed the area on sixteen motorcycles, reportedly posing as local vigilantes.
The assailants initially tried to assemble residents in one location, but community members fled into the surrounding bush before the attackers launched their operation.
Although there were no reported fatalities, the gunmen proceeded to set ablaze a church, approximately twenty-five houses, food supplies, and vehicles found within the community.
A resident who spoke to Channels Television via telephone on Tuesday said the incident has instilled fear among residents who had enjoyed relative peace over the past year.
“After a successful harvest, almost all have not transported their food items to Biu, thinking peace has returned, until suddenly this attack of last Sunday. They came in disguise, wearing vigilantes’ uniforms, and they wanted to gather people who ran into the bush before launching an attack. Looking at the rocky nature of our community, they could not pursue us with their motorcycles,” he said.
Debiro, a farming community, is situated about forty-eight kilometres from Biu, the headquarters of Biu Local Government Area.
In the past two weeks, insurgents have also attacked Harang and Tarfa communities, killing five persons, including a pastor.
Poor road conditions in the area have remained a significant challenge, often hindering rapid military response during such attacks.