Residents of Kirawa, located within the Gwoza local government area of Borno State, have voiced deep concerns over the relentless assaults by Boko Haram insurgents. These attacks have resulted in fatalities, destruction of property, and forced many inhabitants to abandon their homes.
Kirawa lies approximately 22 kilometers from Gwoza town, the administrative center of the local government, and about 112 kilometers from Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State.
According to reports, Boko Haram militants initially overran the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) base in Kirawa, which was manned by Cameroonian troops. This first strike compelled residents to seek refuge across the border in Cameroon. In a subsequent attack, a prominent member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was killed, and around six vehicles carrying goods and agricultural produce were set on fire along the Pulka-Kirawa road.
The most recent assault, which took place last Monday, claimed two lives and saw the destruction of the district head’s palace, along with about 50 homes and shops. The insurgents also torched heavy machinery that was being used by the Borno State Government to repair the severely damaged Kirawa road.
Mohammed Abubakar, a local resident, expressed his anguish over the devastation, noting that the terrorists had razed many houses and commercial establishments.
Abubakar explained that hunters and vigilante groups have been escorting villagers to Cameroon each night for safety, with residents returning during daylight hours due to fear of further attacks. This precarious situation persisted until Governor Babagana Zulum deployed the Civilian Joint Task Force to the area.
He added that the community has been surviving largely on donated food supplies since the attacks destroyed most local businesses. Their urgent plea is for the Nigerian military to be stationed in Kirawa to restore security and stability.
Since the Cameroonian MNJTF soldiers were forced out about a month ago, Abubakar lamented the absence of any formal security presence, particularly from Nigerian forces, leaving the community vulnerable.
Similarly, Baba Kyari Shettima, a 48-year-old father of eleven with two wives, praised Governor Zulum for mobilizing the CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes, which has helped restore some confidence among the people against Boko Haram incursions.
Shettima also urged for the deployment of regular military personnel to Kirawa, emphasizing the need for sustained protection as residents begin to rebuild their lives. He shared the hardship his family endured after losing their business in the recent attacks.
Echoing these sentiments, Zara Mohammed, a mother of nine, recounted the three brutal attacks by Boko Haram that devastated the community, resulting in loss of lives and property. She noted that prior to the Governor’s intervention, assistance was scarce.
“We desperately need soldiers to protect us so we can remain in our homes without fleeing to Cameroon every time the insurgents strike,” she said. “At night, we often had to sleep in a school or under trees in Cameroon, where food was sometimes provided. But since the Governor mobilized local security forces, we have been able to stay in Kirawa,” she added.
Abdulrahaman Abubakar, the district head whose palace was also destroyed, highlighted the lack of healthcare facilities and poor road conditions as significant challenges facing the community.
During a condolence visit last Friday, Governor Babagana Zulum expressed sorrow over the recent attacks, noting that seven years after Kirawa’s resettlement, Boko Haram continues to threaten the peace the community has worked hard to achieve.
Zulum reiterated his call for increased military deployment to border communities such as Kirawa, Wulgo, Baga, Damasak, and Malam Fatori to enhance security.
“Seven years ago, we constructed a new school here, which thankfully remains intact. However, the health dispensary was destroyed by the insurgents. I assure the people that we will rebuild it into a fully equipped General Hospital. We will also rehabilitate all damaged homes and explore compensation for those who lost property,” the Governor affirmed.
He further pledged to install boreholes to improve access to clean water and to repair the deteriorated road to facilitate the movement of people and goods. Additionally, Governor Zulum promised to equip the CJTF, hunters, and security agencies with modern technology to effectively combat the insurgents.
