Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed four soldiers and a civilian in a fresh attack on Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the incident reportedly occurred around 12 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mada Saidu, confirmed the attack to Punch on Thursday. He disclosed that the civilian victim was a woman.
“There was an attack at Mussa ward yesterday afternoon. They killed one civilian, a lady, and four soldiers,” he said.
Military sources said the slain soldiers were personnel of the 115 Task Force Battalion deployed in the area.
A source said, “Four of our troops belonging to the 115 Task Force Battalion were killed while ensuring that the terrorists did not gain entrance into the town.
“The insurgents were not many, but it was a coordinated attack aimed at infiltrating the town. The troops stood their ground, but unfortunately, the four were killed.”
Residents of the community said the attack triggered panic as heavy gunfire echoed for about 30 minutes.
A resident stated, “We were hearing serious gunshots, and many people began to flee their homes at exactly 12 p.m. yesterday.
“If not for the military’s defence, they had intended to enter our community that afternoon to cause massive destruction.”
The attack is the latest in a series of assaults targeting both military formations and civilian communities across Borno State, raising fresh concerns about security in the region.