Monarch Who Lost Palace To Boko Haram Explains Why He Fled Nigeria

Abdulrahman Abubakar, serving as the district head of Kirawa town within the Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno State, has provided details on the reasons behind his escape from Nigeria into adjacent Cameroon following a devastating recent assault by Boko Haram that ravaged his entire community.

Just a few days ago this week, fighters armed with weapons stormed into Kirawa, resulting in the deaths of no fewer than two individuals and the complete destruction by fire of the traditional ruler’s residence. In a conversation conducted with Reuters, Abubakar indicated that he found himself compelled, without any alternative, to traverse the frontier toward a secure location.

“I was left with no option but to flee to Cameroon,” he said, adding that many of his residents had also escaped the violence. “Residents boarded trucks to seek refuge across the border, while others ran to Maiduguri.”

Subsequently, Boko Haram took credit for the violent incursion, issuing a footage clip depicting their combatants setting ablaze a facility belonging to the military. This incident sparked a massive outflow of people from their homes, as noted by Reuters, which stated that over 5,000 individuals originating from the Gwoza LGA have since sought shelter by crossing over into Cameroon.

This occurrence has reignited worries about security across Borno State, a region where local populations continue to face heightened risks from sudden strikes by militant groups. On Friday, Governor Babagana Zulum made his way to the impacted zones to carry out a direct evaluation on the ground.

In the course of his inspection, Zulum recognized the previous contributions made by troops from Cameroon in assisting locals to return and reestablish themselves in communities along the border following prolonged periods of being uprooted. “We resettled this town about seven years ago, with the support of Cameroonian soldiers. Unfortunately, they were displaced again by insurgents,” he said.

The state leader emphasized the critical value of settlements near the border, including places like Wilgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, and Malamfatori, while pressing the Nigerian Army to ensure these areas do not remain defenseless in light of the recent pullout by Cameroonian military units.

“I duly notified the Nigerian military of the dangers of leaving this town without security,” Zulum said. “Unfortunately, my request did not receive the deserved attention, and the insurgents came on Wednesday and vandalised everything we worked so hard to rebuild.”

As per his account, the raid resulted in the loss of two lives, whereas roughly 50 homes, along with substantial machinery and eight automobiles, were consumed by flames. He conveyed his appreciation for the fact that the number of deaths stayed relatively contained, even amid the widespread destruction.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli