I Had No Option But To Flee – Borno District Head Speaks From Cameroon After Boko Haram Burnt His Palace
Abdulrahman Abubakar, the district head of Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, has recounted how he escaped to Cameroon after Boko Haram insurgents attacked his community and set his palace ablaze.
It had been reported that two people were killed during the attack earlier in the week, with the insurgents also razing the monarch’s residence.
In an interview with Reuters, Abubakar explained that he had no choice but to abandon Nigeria for safety.
“I was left with no option but to flee to Cameroon,” Abubakar was quoted to have said.
“Residents boarded trucks to seek refuge across the border, while others ran to Maiduguri.”
Boko Haram later released a video claiming responsibility, showing its fighters setting fire to a barracks.
SaharaReporters had reported that more than 5000 people had crossed into Cameroon following the series of attacks in Gwoza Local Government.
The Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum had also mobilised hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to reinforce security in the affected areas.
During an assessment visit on Friday, Zulum recalled the role of Cameroonian soldiers in helping displaced residents return years ago.
“We resettled this town about 7 years ago, with the support of Cameroonian soldiers. Unfortunately, they (returnees) were displaced by the insurgents. Yes, Cameroonian troops have withdrawn but that doesn’t mean that the Nigerian Army should leave the area vacant,” he had said.
“I duly notified the Nigerian military of the dangers of leaving this town without security. This is a border community. Wilgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, among others are border communities that have to be protected because of their strategic importance.
“Unfortunately, my request did receive the deserved attention, and the insurgents came on Wednesday and vandalised everything we worked so hard to rebuild.
“Two lives were lost but 50 houses and our heavy duty equipment, and eight vehicles were burnt down. We thanked God the casualties were not much.”