Suspected terrorists have reportedly targeted a town in Borno State, launching a rocket-propelled grenade that caused the death of no fewer than five people and left 11 others injured.
Reliable sources confirm that scores of fighters launched an invasion on the town of Damboa on Friday night, only to encounter formidable resistance from the paramilitary organization working in conjunction with the armed forces, as revealed by two anti-jihadist militia commanders who spoke with AFP.
The latest incident adds to the grim statistics of Nigeria’s 14-year jihadist conflict in the northeast, where the casualties continue to rise. With 40,000 fatalities and over two million individuals forced to flee their homes since 2009, the region remains mired in a protracted and devastating conflict.
‘Out of desperation, the insurgents fired an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) on the town from a distance, which killed five people and injured 11 others,’ Babakura Kolo, a militia leader in the region stated.
Ibrahim Liman, a second militia commander, revealed that on Saturday, the community mourned the loss of the five victims by conducting a burial service. Meanwhile, the injured survivors were quickly transported via helicopter to Maiduguri, the regional capital, where they could receive the necessary medical assistance.
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Despite the presence of army troops in the town to guard the military base, there was no immediate response from the army when contacted for comment.
Situated approximately 90 kilometers (55 miles) to the south of Maiduguri, Damboa lies on the perimeters of the Sambisa forest, which has become a notorious enclave for jihadists. Due to its proximity to this forest, the town has been repeatedly targeted by fighters who launch attacks on its residents as well as the military base located there.
RPG attacks on civilian areas are not the norm for Boko Haram and ISWAP, as their primary focus remains military targets. However, there have been instances where they have employed RPGs against civilians as part of their attempts to exert control over key areas. The city of Maiduguri has witnessed such attacks, with the most recent occurrence in February 2021 resulting in casualties and injuries.
The February presidential election was marred by a targeted attack on voters in Gwoza. Jihadists positioned on mountains overlooking the town fired a barrage of mortar bombs, causing injuries to at least five people as they exercised their democratic rights.
Also, a devastating attack unfolded in September 2017 when Boko Haram jihadists, riding in two pick-up trucks and launched a rocket-propelled grenade into a displaced people’s camp in Ngala.
This camp, accommodating around 80,000 individuals, became the tragic scene of the assault, claiming the lives of seven people. Ngala is situated near the border with Cameroon.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who assumed office in May, has emphasised that addressing the issue of insecurity is a top priority for his administration.
Nigeria’s troops are currently engaged in combating jihadist groups, well-armed criminal gangs, and working towards resolving intercommunal clashes and separatist tensions across different regions of the country.
President Tinubu acknowledged the urgent need to tackle these multifaceted security challenges for the well-being and stability of the nation.