Senator Ali Ndume has raised the alarm over renewed Boko Haram attacks in border communities of Borno State, calling for the urgent deployment of troops to Kirawa and its environs.
Ndume, who represents Borno South and is a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said residents of Kirawa and neighbouring towns in Gwoza Local Government Area have been left vulnerable since Cameroonian troops withdrew from the area last month.
His appeal followed an ambush by insurgents on motorists along the Kirawa–Pulka road on Friday afternoon, which left one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) dead and several passengers injured.
“It is very disheartening to receive a distress call that armed Boko Haram terrorists laid an ambush on motorists and passengers along the Kirawa–Pulka road. Unfortunately, one of our brave civilian JTF members was killed during the exchange of gunfire. Many victims are still missing,” Ndume said.
According to him, at least six vehicles — including a bus, two Volkswagen Golf cars and three trucks — were set ablaze during the attack.
He noted that the absence of a military presence in the area had worsened the plight of residents.
“My people are now living in perpetual fear since the dislodgement of Cameroonian troops based in Kirawa last month.
I appeal to the authorities to immediately deploy troops, even if just a platoon, to safeguard lives and property,” the senator added.