Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have attacked a military base in Garaha-Mojili, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing three soldiers and a forest guard.
The attack reportedly occurred around midnight on the eve of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, when the insurgents arrived on motorcycles, with each motorcycle reportedly carrying heavily armed fighters.
According to accounts of the incident, the attackers engaged the military in a fierce gun battle, during which 10 soldiers were wounded and two women were reportedly abducted.
The Chairman of Hong Local Government Area, Aliyu Yerima Sa’ad Hong, confirmed the attack in a telephone interview, saying the wounded soldiers were receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre in Hong town.
“The insurgents came around midnight on the eve of the 66th independence anniversary of Nigeria on motorcycles, with each motorcycle carrying heavily armed insurgents, and engaged the military in a fierce gun battle,” the council chairman said.
He said several insurgents were also killed during the confrontation, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. According to him, the bodies of the slain insurgents were evacuated from the scene by their colleagues.
The council chairman expressed sadness over the incident, describing the deaths of the security personnel as a painful way to mark the country’s Independence Day.
“Our hearts are heavy today. It is profoundly painful that our Independence Day was marked by tears instead of joy. However, the ultimate sacrifice of these officers will never be forgotten; they died protecting our homeland,” he said.
Sa’ad Hong further disclosed that the local government facilitated the burial of the slain forest guard and paid the medical bills of the wounded soldiers after visiting them at the hospital.
The attack has heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Adamawa State, particularly communities located near areas affected by insurgency.
