Mass Exodus to Cameroon as Boko Haram Captures Nigerian Border Town
Enhanced Security Concerns as 5,000 Flee Northeast Nigeria Amid Boko Haram Attacks
Boko Haram Attacks Prompt Mass Exodus to Cameroon
In a wave of escalating violence, over 5,000 residents from Nigeria’s northeastern region have sought refuge in neighboring Cameroon following a recent assault by Boko Haram militants. The insurgents captured the border town of Kirawa in Borno state, compelling many to flee for their safety, according to local residents and community leaders.
Intensified Insurgent Activity in Borno State
Borno state has been at the heart of a 16-year conflict fueled by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). This year, attacks against both civilians and security forces have intensified, with insurgents temporarily overtaking several army bases and communities before military reinforcements could repel them.
Urgent Need for Military Reinforcements
The recent attack on Thursday night forced Abdulrahman Abubakar, the district head, and many residents to abandon their homes. Abubakar recounted the harrowing experience of fleeing to Cameroon, leaving behind his burning palace, military barracks, and numerous homes engulfed in flames. “Residents boarded trucks to seek refuge across the border, while others ran to Maiduguri, the state capital,” he explained to Emegypt.
Boko Haram’s Control Over Key Areas
The militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing footage of their operatives setting fire to the barracks and chanting as the flames lit the night sky. Kirawa is now a ghost town, with Boko Haram reportedly in control. Dauda Hassan, who managed to escape to Pulka, described the dire situation, noting the absence of significant security presence in the town.
Historical Context and Ongoing Security Issues
- On September 19, Boko Haram fighters launched an attack on Banki, another border town, overtaking a military barracks.
- The insurgents forced soldiers to flee, leaving their weapons behind.
- The departure of a multinational military task force after an August attack left local vigilantes as the only form of security for the community.
Yakubu Mabba Ali Kirawa, head of the town’s development group, has called for immediate military intervention to bolster security. The continuous threat posed by Boko Haram urges a swift response to prevent further destabilization in the region.
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