Suspected terrorists launched a deadly attack on a church in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, killing two people and injuring two others. The incident, which occurred at 2 a.m. on Sunday, also saw the destruction of seven shops and extensive property damage.
Attack Details
According to the Police Public Relations Officer for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, the attackers targeted the Ekklesiyar Yanu’wa a Nigeria Church. The terrorists reportedly fired sporadically, causing panic in the community.
“We got a call from our Chibok Division. The report from them said the terrorists shot sporadically, and unfortunately, two persons died. It was around 2 a.m.,” ASP Daso said.
No worshipers were present in the church at the time of the attack, but the assailants destroyed the church building and other properties in the area.
Victims and Casualties
The two deceased victims have yet to be officially identified, while two other residents, Esther Yohanna and Ali Yohanna, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. Both injured individuals are currently receiving medical attention, though their conditions remain undisclosed.
Property Destruction
Beyond the loss of life, the attackers set seven shops ablaze, further disrupting the lives of residents in the already vulnerable community. The destruction appears to be an attempt to instill fear among the population and disrupt the local economy.
Police Response and Security Measures
The Borno State Police Command has responded swiftly to the incident, deploying surveillance and armed personnel to the area. ASP Daso stated that the police are committed to restoring confidence among residents.
“We have directed all human and logistics assets to be deployed to the axis (Chibok) to build confidence among people,” he added.
This effort aligns with the directive from the Inspector General of Police to strengthen security in volatile areas, particularly in light of recent attacks in the region.
Local Government’s Reaction
The Chairman of Chibok Local Government Area, Mustapha Madu, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the attack. In a statement issued by his media team on Sunday evening, Madu confirmed the terrorists struck at approximately 2:10 a.m. and outlined the extent of the damage.
Madu personally inspected the affected sites, including the burnt shops, houses, and the church auditorium, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to their safety.
Rising Concerns Over Security
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the security situation in Chibok and its environs, an area that has endured repeated terrorist activities over the years. This latest incident highlights the continued threat posed by insurgents in the region, despite ongoing military and police efforts.
Broader Implications
Chibok has been a focal point of global attention since the 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram, many of whom remain unaccounted for. The persistent attacks in the area underscore the need for sustained security measures and community support to prevent further loss of life and property.
Community Resilience
Despite the challenges, residents have shown resilience in the face of ongoing violence. Community leaders and security agencies continue to work together to rebuild trust and ensure the safety of those living in affected areas.
Government’s Commitment
The federal and state governments have reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in Borno State. However, residents and observers stress the need for a more proactive approach to address the root causes of insecurity and provide lasting solutions to the crisis.
As investigations into the Chibok attack continue, Nigerians are once again reminded of the urgent need for improved security infrastructure and community-based interventions to protect lives and property in vulnerable regions.
