Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed 20 persons in Pubagu, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, and Mayo-Ladde in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
It was gathered that the attackers stormed the two border communities around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, overpowering local security operatives before killing residents.
Confirming the attack, the Chairman of Askira Uba LGA, Mada Saidu, said 11 people were killed in Pubagu, Borno State, while nine others lost their lives in Hong LGA of Adamawa State.
He said, “Yes, there was an attack in Pubagu, Askira Uba, yesterday, Tuesday, around 4 p.m. Eleven people were killed. While in Mayo-Ladde, Hong Local Government in Adamawa State, nine people were killed.”
The two communities, according to him, are separated by a river.
“In total, we have 20 deaths, 11 from Askira Uba in Borno, nine from Hong Local Government, Adamawa,” he added.
Saidu explained that the insurgents overpowered local security operatives, gained access to the communities, and shot residents.
“I later went there together with the Army. Initially, it was local security that was there, that is, hunters and vigilantes. But they were overpowered by the terrorists,” he stated.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and operated for hours, destroying homes and looting property.
One survivor, who spoke anonymously, said, “Yesterday evening, the terrorists stormed our community in Pubagu. They shot sporadically for hours, burning houses and shops. They killed both men and women after operating for over one hour.”
The source added that the attackers faced little resistance.
“The local vigilantes and hunters tried their best. Unfortunately, the terrorists were well armed and in much greater numbers. The resistance was not strong enough. The hunters later fled for their lives, too,” the source said.
The incident adds to a series of recent attacks in the area. On April 16, insurgents reportedly killed four soldiers and a civilian in Mussa community, also in Askira Uba LGA.
