At least 14 people were killed by Boko Haram militants in two villages near Sambisa Forest in Adamawa State last week, the chairman of Hong Local Government, Usman Inuwa, has confirmed.
According to The PUNCH, Inuwa said the insurgents attacked Mubang and Zar villages at night, also injuring two people who are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
“At about 9 pm on that day, Boko Haram invaded Mubang and Zar villages.
They killed 14 people, shot two others, and burnt dozens of houses along with foodstuffs,” Inuwa said.
He explained that the villages’ proximity to the Sambisa Forest makes them vulnerable.
“These villages are located near Sambisa Forest, and there are no other settlements in between. Boko Haram exploits these ungoverned spaces to attack innocent people,” he added.
Inuwa said he usually deploys a combined team of military personnel and local vigilantes to protect the area, which had successfully repelled previous attacks.
“Last December alone, Boko Haram made three unsuccessful attempts to attack the villages. This time, unfortunately, they succeeded,” he said.
The council chairman called on the Federal Government to step up security measures, including airstrikes, to prevent further attacks.
“The army should be stationed in the area, and the airforce should carry out airstrikes on positions occupied by Boko Haram. This is the only way to end the continuous attacks on Mubang and Zar,” he said.
The recent attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in areas near Sambisa Forest, despite previous interventions by military and local security teams.
