The Borno State Police Command has confirmed a terrorist attack on Banzir Village in Chibok Local Government Area of the state during the early hours of Sunday.
According to the police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the attackers, suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or Boko Haram, stormed the community at around 2:10 a.m., shooting indiscriminately.
“Unknown gunmen suspected to be ISWAP/BH terrorists invaded Banzir Village Chibok LGA, shooting sporadically at the villagers,’ Daso said.
Two residents, Enoch Paul (32) and Josiah Paul (18), were killed in the attack, while two others, Esther Yohanna (42) and Ali Johanna (22), sustained gunshot injuries.
The injured victims were taken to the General Hospital in Chibok for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were transferred for autopsy.
The attackers reportedly set fire to approximately 30 houses and the Ekkilisiya Yan-Uwa a Nigeria (EYN) Church in the village. Fortunately, no worshippers were present at the church during the assault.
Military reinforcements and patrol teams were deployed to repel the attackers and restore order.
“Military fob alerted for aggressive clearance operation, normalcy restored, while combined security teams are on intensive patrol,” the ASP added.
The police, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, conducted an assessment of the scene following the incident.
ASP Daso assured the public that the area is now under control, with combined security forces conducting aggressive clearance operations and maintaining intensive patrols to prevent further attacks.
