Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed a pastor, two hunters and two other civilians following an attack on Tarfa village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, the North East Chairman and Commander of Hunters/Vigilantes (Sarkin Baka), Mallam Shawulu Yohanna, has confirmed.
Mallam Yohanna, who is based in Hawul Local Government Area, disclosed that the attack occurred on Wednesday at about 4:00 p.m., but poor telecommunications network in the area delayed the flow of information until Friday.
Tarfa is a remote community under Biu Local Government Area and shares a boundary with Hawul LGA.
Speaking to our correspondent, the Hunters Association chairman, whose group complements the efforts of security agencies in combating terrorism and other criminal activities, said the attackers also looted foodstuffs and livestock during the raid.
Mallam Yohanna dismissed reports claiming that Tarfa village is located in Hawul Local Government Area, clarifying that while the village shares a border with Hawul, it is administratively under Biu LGA.
“It is unfortunate that some terrorists invaded Tarfa village of Biu Local Government Area last Wednesday,” he said.
“Six of my members engaged the terrorists, but they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the attackers. Two of my members were killed, including a pastor attached to the Church of the Brethren, also known as EYN Church in Hausa parlance, as well as two other civilians,” Yohanna stated.
He explained that the attackers struck at a time when most residents had returned from their farms after harvesting groundnuts, beans and other crops.
According to him, the deceased pastor, whose name was withheld, had just returned from his farm at about 4:00 p.m. when the attack began.
“When he heard the sound of gunshots, he attempted to escape but was shot dead in front of his house,” Yohanna added.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, proved abortive as of press time. However, a highly placed member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, who is not authorised to speak to the press, also confirmed the incident.
Credit: Vanguard
