Suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched separate attacks along the Maiduguri/Gamboru Ngala Road, resulting in the death of two individuals and the abduction of seven passengers, on Saturday.
The insurgents, known for their relentless terror campaigns in the region, targeted military checkpoints and civilian vehicles, causing widespread fear and devastation.
The assailants not only attacked the military posts but also set ablaze several commercial vehicles, causing property damage estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of naira.
These vehicles, vital for the transportation of goods and passengers, have become frequent targets for the insurgents.
Traders and commercial vehicle owners have suffered significant losses as the terrorists often loot goods from the vehicles before destroying them.
Ali Abubakar, a commercial driver who regularly plies the affected route, shed light on the worsening situation.
He emphasized that the deteriorating condition of the road has inadvertently aided the insurgents in their ambushes. “The poor state of the road slows down vehicles, making them easy targets for these criminals,” Abubakar lamented.
Recounting a harrowing incident from last Thursday, Abubakar detailed an attack that took place between Mafa and Dikwa Road.
In this assault, two individuals lost their lives, and their vehicles were not only looted but also set on fire, leaving behind charred remnants as grim reminders of the violence.
Adding to the growing list of tragedies, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Mafa reported that seven individuals, including the driver of a Desert Land Rover, were abducted by the insurgents on Friday.
This incident occurred between Ajiri and Dikwa. The CJTF member expressed deep concern over the unknown fate of the abducted individuals but assured that concerted efforts were underway to locate and rescue them.
Attempts to gather an official statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth Daso, were unsuccessful.
As the community grapples with these repeated assaults, there is an urgent call for enhanced security measures and infrastructural improvements to safeguard the lives and properties of those who rely on this vital roadway.
