Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have abducted 12 women in Mussa district, Askira-Uba Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.
The victims were reportedly seized around 5 p.m. on Saturday while returning from their farmlands.
In a separate attack on Sunday, suspected Boko Haram terrorists also launched an over two-hour assault in the Magumeri LGA of the state, burning homes, vehicles, and shops.
Confirming the women farmers’ kidnapping on Sunday, Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said an investigation had been launched.
“When the investigation is concluded, it will be made public,” he said.
Residents expressed concern and urged swift action. “The news reached us around 5 p.m. when their relatives could not trace them. As a community, we have informed our elected representatives, traditional leaders, and security agencies,” a resident, who asked not to be identified for safety reasons, said.
Also, suspected Boko Haram terrorists burnt homes, vehicles and shops in the Magumeri LGA.
According to sources, the insurgents stormed the community around 1:15 a.m. on motorcycles, shooting sporadically and displacing residents before setting property ablaze.
ASP Daso confirmed that no lives were lost.
The Executive Chairman of Magumeri, Abubakar Abdulkadir Yaro, said the attackers fled around 3 a.m. after being overwhelmed.
“Unfortunately, they set fire to residential houses and other property, but no life was lost. Our gallant troops and members of the Civilian JTF, Hunters, and volunteers responded to distress calls and successfully repelled the terrorists,” he added, commending the security operatives for their timely and coordinated response.
Ibrahim Hassan, a local, described the assault as “coordinated and planned. They chased people and set fire to homes, vehicles, and shops. Many of us were asleep and only woke up because of the noise and shouting.”
He said security personnel remained in the community after the attack and assured continued surveillance.
Following the attacks, Governor Babagana Zulum declared a state-wide day of fasting and prayers on Monday, November 24, to seek divine intervention.
The PUNCH