Niger Attack: Shiroro Residents Recount Terrorists Invasion As NAF Airstrike Saves Lives
Residents of Bassa, a community in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have recounted the horrid experience following the invasion of terrorists on Wednesday.
Terrorists had reportedly invaded the community at daybreak on Wednesday, leaving no fewer than five residents including a minor affected.
A plethora of accounts from eyewitnesses and community leaders revealed what happened during the unfortunate incursion despite the presence of relevant security personnel deployed to the community.
The fateful day remains unforgettable for Jibrin Allawa, a community leader who told THE WHISTLER that the assailants invaded the community just after their Subhi prayer at 5 am, shooting sporadically.
Jibrin said, “For the past three days, the securities have been going around Bassa until yesterday early morning when they came into town and Boko Haram started sporadic shooting while shouting Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar (God is great).
“Security personnel went after them and as a result, they killed 19 of them. But four residents were affected too. A woman died instantly while Zakari Yau died when he was brought to Kuta”, Allawa added.
Zakari Yau, a resident of the community was shot while attempting to escape the assailants.
Speaking to THE WHISTLER, another eyewitness, Yahuza Agumi gave further details on the circumstances that led to their death.
Agumi said, “The terrorists came earlier to the community but they were chased away, only to return around 5:30 am on Wednesday.
“They (terrorists) entered the community via a male victim’s house — Mallam Zakari who was killed and nobody knew about it.
“When they came, they started shooting and Zakari tried to hide in the bush, but was hit by a stray bullet on his hand.
“Due to a gunshot, he was moved from Bassa to Erena. He lost a lot of blood, and according to Agumi, his friend lost his life while en route to Minna for medical attention.
Also, Agumi mentioned that a young girl was hit with a bullet in her mouth, while others were injured and only two persons died.
Those injured according to him were a result of their disobedience to the instructions from the security agencies who directed the resident to remain indoors while they repel the attackers.
On the other hand, Agumi said residents counted no fewer than 17 corpses of the terrorists after the intervention of security agencies, but noted that security agencies had accurate details about the actual fatalities.
The injured persons, according to the eye witness are still receiving treatment in the IBB Specialist hospital, in Minna the state capital.
“All of them are female. I was with them yesterday in the IBB Specialist Hospital. They are recuperating. Niger state government provided treatment for them”, he added.
Meanwhile, a resident, Ibrahim Bassa applauded security forces for their intervention.
Bassa said, “Many of the terrorists were also killed during the gun battle. We thanked the security men. And some of them escaped with bullet wounds”.
Abubakar Usman another resident, said his community was reinforced with security personnel after Wednesday’s victory.
“Yesterday, they reinforced security in the village to further ambush the terrorists”, he told THE WHISTLER.
NAF Airstrikes to the rescue…
No fewer than 28 terrorists were reportedly killed after the Nigerian Air Force launched a series of airstrikes against the terrorists.
In a statement on Thursday, the Air Force reports that the air interdiction mission was carried out on September 11, following the call by friendly forces in the vicinity requesting air support.
The statement disclosed that around 100 terrorists were involved in heavy combat with “friendly forces”, witnessed by NAF personnel.
The statement said, “After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions.
“The strikes were devastating, neutralising dozens of terrorists in successive passes.
“As of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared,”
The statement added that the successful operation underscored the NAF’s commitment to protecting the nation and supporting sister services and other security agencies in combating banditry, terrorism, insurgency and all other forms of criminality.
“Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces. This is to eliminate all threats to the peace, prosperity and security of our great nation,” the Air Force said.
Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Spokesman in the state, could not be reached as of press time. Text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to him remain unattended.
Niger Attack: Shiroro Residents Recount Terrorists Invasion As NAF Airstrike Saves Lives is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
