Suspected members of Boko Haram have attacked a community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, setting houses and shops ablaze in an overnight raid.
The incident occurred in Awapul village in the early hours of Sunday, when armed assailants reportedly stormed the area around 1:30 a.m., firing gunshots and causing panic among residents.
Confirming the attack, the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said although properties were destroyed, no lives were lost.
“There was an attack in Awapul village in Chibok Local Government Area in the early hours of today,” Daso said.
“The perpetrators are suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded, but there was significant destruction of property.”
Residents said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and operated for over an hour, burning homes and small businesses before leaving the community.
A local resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said many affected villagers have fled to safer areas.
“They came in large numbers and set houses and shops on fire. Some of the victims have relocated to Chibok town for safety,” the source said. “What we need now is protection so we can live without fear.”
The latest attack comes barely a day after another assault by suspected insurgents in parts of the state, including an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Damasak and a police facility in Nganzai.
Police authorities had earlier disclosed that the attackers used heavy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, in an attempt to overrun security formations.
“During the previous attack, the insurgents deployed sophisticated weapons and caused damage to facilities,” Daso said. “Regrettably, four police officers lost their lives in the line of duty.”
Security agencies have since intensified efforts to contain the situation, while residents continue to call for increased protection amid recurring attacks in affected communities.
