By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Just hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum assured the nation of adequate security in their broadcasts marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, reports emerged that suspected Boko Haram terrorists abducted around 15 farmers in the Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno State.

It remains unclear whether the incident occurred on Tuesday, as the area suffers from poor telecommunications. Unconfirmed reports indicate that tensions had been rising between terrorists and farmers as crops were nearing harvest in the border communities of Cameroon and Gwoza.

Sources revealed that five of the abducted individuals were killed, along with a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Jubril Dada Zarana, who actively collaborated with security agencies to thwart the attack.

Reliable sources stated: “We sorrowfully announce the abduction of about 15 farmers, including children, women, the young, and the elderly, by Boko Haram terrorists in Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA.

“The attack also resulted in the deaths of CJTF member Jubril Dada Zarana and five civilians.

“The terrorists ambushed the farmers while they were engaged in their agricultural activities. The security forces, including the army and CJTF, made efforts to protect the community but could not hold off the attackers for long.

“Jubril Dada Zarana was killed honorably while defending his people, and the other victims were taken alive.

“After the terrorists transported the victims to their base, they mercilessly slaughtered five individuals: Isa Musa Moh’d Diyara, Doglas, Salawuddin Suleman Dauda Lawan, Maryam Gwambran, Matan Kaka Mobil Aga, and Baba Amos.

“Later, the terrorists released three women captives, who reported that the remaining victims, including Anna Andrew Gadzawaga, Hauwa Braga, and two unidentified boys, were still held hostage.

“Additionally, some of the missing victims include Babawo Kanin Shagari, Ummi Trabos, and Babson Yaron Teacher, among others.

“Dear Gwoza Concerned Citizens, please keep our people in your prayers as they endure this helpless situation.

“Today, as we celebrate Independence Day—a day for freedom, human rights, progress, and unity—our people face sorrow, despair, and helplessness.

“They are suffering severely due to a lack of essential support, yet they choose to remain in their homeland out of love for it.

“Neither the government nor NGOs are providing food supplies. The little farming they depend on for survival requires risking their lives to harvest their crops. Oh! People of Ngoshe and the neighboring villages (Gava, Agapalawa, Amuda, Chinene, Chikide, Dhugwade, Kwadale, Bokko, Barawa, Kughum, etc.), only God can come to our aid. Some residents of these villages are currently living in Ngoshe.”

In a telephone interview, the First Class Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, stated: “I have tried to obtain details of the incident but have been unsuccessful as of press time. However, I assure you that I will provide updates as soon as I have more information, Insha Allah.”