As Boko Haram intensifies its attacks, the District Head of Kirawa in Borno State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abubakar, has taken refuge in neighboring Cameroon following the destruction of his residence and the displacement of locals from the area.
Our reporter learned that many residents boarded trucks to find shelter in Cameroonian villages, while others escaped to Maiduguri, the state capital, and Pulka, a nearby Nigerian settlement where military personnel are based.
The large-scale movement of people occurred after a recent Boko Haram assault on Kirawa, a border town within the Gwoza Local Government Area, where multiple homes, including the ruler's palace, were set ablaze.
Residents informed The PUNCH on Wednesday that the town has become empty.
The head of the Kirawa Development Association, Yakubu Mabba Ali Kirawa, urged the immediate creation of a military unit in the region.
By last evening, I learned that several of our individuals had taken trucks to Cameroonian villages, especially in a particular market. Some have since returned to Pulka, a Nigerian settlement with military presence.
As a border community, all that separates us from Cameroon is a river, and we are asking the Federal Government to set up a brigade and boost military presence," he said.
A local, Aji Modu, who moved to Maiduguri, requested urgent assistance for those forced to leave their homes.
Right now, as I am speaking to you, there is no one in Kirawa; everyone has fled. Even our district head is currently resting in Kerawa, Cameroon. They require shelter and essential life support.
If I were to measure, 60 percent of our population have fled to Cameroon, while the remaining 40 percent, including myself, are spread across Borno villages and Maiduguri, where there is a military presence," he said.
Another inhabitant, Atahiru Lawan, mentioned that individuals departed due to concerns over a potential new wave of assaults.
"We don't have any military base here. Since the Cameroonian forces departed following the attack that forced our people to leave, we've been on our own, defending ourselves with the support of the Civilian Joint Task Force. We are now at a critical point, worried that the terrorists might attack once more," he said.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, recently expressed concern over the lack of Nigerian military presence in Kirawa, cautioning that the gap has intensified instability within the border area.
He sounded the alert following an alleged attack by insurgents on members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and drivers on the Kirawa–Pulka road on Friday, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.
Responding, Ndume referred to the attack as "disheartening."
It is highly discouraging that I received a distress call indicating that some Boko Haram militants set up an ambush on drivers and passengers along the Kirawa–Pulka road yesterday. The victims were accompanied by a small number of Civilian Joint Task Force members, as there was no military support because Cameroonian forces stationed in Kirawa were displaced last month.
Regrettably, one of our courageous members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their life in an ambush involving a fire exchange. Numerous casualties remain unaccounted for at this moment. At least six vehicles, among them two Volkswagen Golf sedans, a bus, and three trucks, were burned during the incident," he stated.
The legislator called for immediate military reinforcement to protect the town.
"Let me also urge the military authorities to send troops, even if it's just a platoon, to protect Kirawa and its residents, as my people are now living in constant fear since the departure of Cameroonian forces last month," he added.
The PUNCH had previously mentioned on August 11 that numerous Kirawa residents sought refuge in Cameroon following a severe attack where a schoolgirl, Aisha Muhammad, was taken.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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