Fresh anxiety has gripped parts of Borno State following another deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents that left four soldiers and a civilian dead, even as the nation mourned troops recently killed in a separate assault.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday in Mussa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where armed insurgents launched an attack around midday, sparking panic among residents and forcing many to flee.
The assault came at a symbolic moment - hours after the burial of Brigadier General Omo Braimah and other soldiers who lost their lives in an earlier attack on a military formation in Benisheikh, also in Borno State.
Local authorities confirmed the casualty figures, stating that the victims included four military personnel and a female civilian.
Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mada Saidu, said the attackers struck suddenly and engaged troops stationed in the area.
“There was an attack in Mussa ward yesterday afternoon. They killed one civilian, a lady, and four soldiers,” he said.
Military sources disclosed that the affected troops were drawn from the 115 Task Force Battalion and had confronted the insurgents in an effort to prevent them from entering the town.
According to one source, the soldiers mounted resistance against the attackers despite being outnumbered.
“The insurgents attempted to infiltrate the community, but the troops stood their ground. Unfortunately, four soldiers were killed in the exchange,” the source said.
Residents described a tense atmosphere during the attack, recalling sustained gunfire that lasted for several minutes and sent shockwaves through the community.
“We heard heavy gunshots and people started running in different directions,” a resident said. “If not for the soldiers, the attackers would have entered the town and caused more destruction.”
Security analysts say the timing of the attack underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the North-East, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
The incident also coincided with a solemn ceremony in Maiduguri, where military authorities, government officials, and families gathered to honour Braimah and other fallen officers with full military rites.
Among those present at the burial was Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who joined defence chiefs and other dignitaries in paying tribute to the deceased, describing them as courageous patriots who died in service to the nation
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