At least 23 people, including women and children, were killed on Monday in Chibok and Kala Balge, Borno State, following attacks linked to Boko Haram insurgents.
In Chibok, seven mourners were shot dead during an evening prayer held in memory of a late community leader. The attackers, identified as Boko Haram terrorists, opened fire on the gathering around 6 p.m., killing seven men instantly. Several others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Earlier that day, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by the insurgents exploded near Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area.
The explosion claimed the lives of several commuters, including women and children, who were traveling to Gamboru Ngala. Sources from the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) reported that the IED detonated approximately 11 kilometers from Rann at the Lake Chad border area. At least four women, six children, and an unspecified number of men were killed, while three others, including a child, a woman, and a man, were injured and rushed to medical facilities in Gamboru Ngala and Rann.
Kala Balge, located at the fringes of Lake Chad, is a remote area with no access roads and becomes inaccessible during the rainy season.
During a federal delegation visit led by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum expressed concern over the porous borders that allow Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists to regroup and launch attacks. Zulum emphasized that until the border issues are addressed, the safety of residents remains at risk.
These incidents occurred just days after 14 farmers and two CJTF members were killed by terrorists in Gwoza Local Government Area. Additionally, on Sunday, 10 CJTF members were ambushed and killed by Boko Haram insurgents during a routine patrol along Hawul in Borno and Garkida in Adamawa.