A devastating ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on a military convoy in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State has resulted in the deaths of at least two soldiers, a village head’s son, and two commanders of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The attack occurred along the Dikwa-New Marte road on Monday morning, with sources revealing that the Chairman and Overall Commander of CJTF in Marte and New Marte community were among those killed.
“Some Boko Haram terrorists laid ambush and killed two soldiers, two members of Civilian JTF and a Son of a Village Head in Marte, Mai Musenima,” a source disclosed.
“The deceased were among those deployed to provide security cover over the ongoing road clearance along Dikwa-Marte road.”
Additionally, several others sustained injuries and were evacuated to an undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri for treatment.
This incident follows another gruesome attack in Ashigashiya village, Gwoza Local Government Area, where terrorists slaughtered farmers, including a middle-aged woman, while they harvested their crops.
A video obtained by our correspondent showed the terrorists claiming responsibility for the killings, with one commander speaking in Mandara language.
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) has condemned the renewed attacks, describing them as “very unfortunate.” Ndume expressed sadness over the targeting of resilient farmers in Gwoza and other communities.
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“I pray for the repose of the souls of those killed, especially while engaging in farming to sustain themselves and their families,” Ndume said. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their beloved ones in the renewed Boko Haram killings.”
Ndume commended the military and security agencies for their efforts in degrading the terrorists but emphasized the need for improved equipping of the military with sophisticated weapons to neutralize hibernating Boko Haram members in the Mandara Mountains.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Daso, could not be reached for confirmation at press time.