No fewer than 4 people were killed and over 100 houses burnt down yesterday, as members of the Boko Haram sect attacked Arboko village behind Gwoza hills, in Borno State. The state has recently become an easy target for the sect in the past few weeks.[READ: ]
It was reported that the gunmen launched the attack at about 2:30 am on Saturday, and overran the villages before dawn.
The village is said to be inhabited by a small Christian minority.
According to reports:
Executive Director, Stefanos Foundation, Mark Lipdo, said in a text message on Saturday that cries by the villagers for help did not yield any fruit, until they were completely overrun by the gunmen.
He said, “Reports just coming in now around 2:30 am says Arboko community of Gwoza, Borno state is presently under attack. Sources said houses are now on fire. Villages behind Gwoza hills said their plea for soldiers to protect them has not been heeded and these majority Christian communities have continued to come under attack”
He added, “Latest report says four people were killed and over 100 houses burnt in the attack.”
When our correspondent contacted the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen Chris Olukolade, he said that he had not received a situation report on the attack and would not be in a position to confirm and deny it.
“I have not got any situation report on the attack you are talking about and would not be in a position to confirm or deny,” he said.