The Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr. Mohammed Gone, and the branch Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Yohanna Audu, have condemned the tragic killing of a pastor from the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) and five other individuals.
Suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists invaded the Kwari Area in Asheikri Ward of Gaidam local government area over the weekend. This devastating incident resulted in the immediate loss of five men and one woman, as well as the destruction of seven houses and a Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN), which were burnt to ashes.
Additionally, an explosive ordinance (UXO) claimed the life of a vigilante officer, while one personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) lost their life, and three military personnel sustained injuries due to another UXO explosion.
Gaidam, located approximately 180 kilometers from Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, has unfortunately witnessed several attacks in the past. This recent assault occurred just days after suspected armed terrorists attacked the Chibok communities of Tsiha and Gatamarwa, resulting in the death of 11 people, the abduction of a woman, and the looting of food and livestock without facing any resistance.
Furthermore, over the weekend, terrorists ambushed the Damaturu-Buratai-Biu Road, abducting multiple motorists and passengers. Dr. Goje, the Executive Secretary of YOSEMA, responded to the distress call by stating, “Yobe SEMA received a distress call from Gaidam LGA emergency responders and concerned community members regarding an attack by suspected non-state armed groups (NSAGs) on January 4, 2024, at exactly 12:30 am in Kwari Area, Asheikri Ward of Gaidam Local Government.
SEMA teams were mobilized to the scene and conducted a rapid assessment. Based on their findings, six people, including five men and one woman, were killed, seven houses were burned to ashes, one vigilante officer was killed by UXO, and one church was burnt.
Additionally, an explosive ordinance (UXO) exploded, resulting in the death of one NSCDC personnel and the injury of three other military individuals.” Bishop Yohanna Audu, in an emotional statement, condemned the attacks on the COCIN Church and the killing of the pastor and other members as barbaric, anti-religious, and deeply unfortunate. He expressed his grief over the invasion of the pastor’s house, the subsequent killings, and the burning of the COCIN Church.
These recent attacks on the Yobe community have raised serious concerns about the security situation in the region. Immediate action is needed to address the persistent threats posed by Boko Haram and other non-state arm.
|Vanguard News
