200 Boko Haram Terrorists Killed By Locals In Kala-Balge LGA, Borno
About 200 suspected Boko Haram terrorists lost their lives, about 35 were captured yesterday in a failed attempt to ravage the town of Rann, headquarters of Kala/Balge LGA of Borno State, as local residents retaliated.
The BBC and AFP information agencies, as well as SaharaReporters have confirmed the story first published by Nigeria's Daily Trust and Legit.ng.
In early hours of May 13, from 300 to 400 insurgents disguised in military outfits stormed Rann and nearby Kalabage village in two armored tanks, eight Hilux pick-up vehicles, and seven SUVs, also painted in Nigerian army colors, according to eyewitnesses. They were met by armed locals who had knowledge of the impending attack and had dug out trenches to obstruct the terrorists' movements.
Residents say they have formed a vigilante group, the so-called Civilian JTF, since the military are not doing enough to protect ordinary Nigerians. A trader from Kalabalge said this is why most attacks by Boko Haram on their village have been repelled.
As soon as they gathered the information of the future attack, local men positioned themselves in surrounding bushes and forests, armed with bows and arrows, dane guns and pump action rifles.
An anonymous eyewitness, who spoke to the BBC Hausa Service, said the area was "littered with bodies" after the fighting, adding he counted 50 bodies of the insurgents in one village, 150 in another. According to Dr. Peregrino Brimah, coordinator of the Every Nigerian Do Something project, about 20 vigilantes also lost their lives fighting, while some sustained injuries.
Speaking to the AFP on condition of anonymity, a Borno official disclosed that at least 10 insurgents have been detained, scores killed and injured. According to Dr. Brimah, the number of captured insurgents is 35. A number of motorcycles were recovered from the insurgents, as well as several Toyota Hilux vehicles and an armoured personnel carrier.
Also, according to SaharaReporters, state Governor Kashim Shettima is to visit Kalabalge later this week.
Kala-Balge LGA lies along the shores of the Lake Chad, sharing border with Cameroon.
Despite the emergency rule imposed on the state a year ago, Borno State has been a constant target for Boko Haram attacks. Over 200 female students were kidnapped by the sect on April 14 from Chibok town. Ngala LGA of the state has also been hit, as over 300 persons were killed on May 5; another 30 lost their lives on May 8, when a bridge linking Nigeria to Cameroon was bombed by the sect.
The Borno State chapter of Civilian JTF has applied to Nigerian government for the right to bear arms to protect and defend themselves. The government is yet to officially respond to the multiple requests.
Source: Legit.ng
