Fintiri Mourns 18 Victims Of Insurgent Attack, Pledges Improved Security

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has joined the residents of Shuwari community in Kirchinga Ward of Madagali local government area to mourn 18 people killed by Boko Haram insurgents.

The governor, who visited the community yesterday, described the attack as barbaric, senseless, and unjustifiable

The insurgents reportedly set houses ablaze and rustled livestock during the raid, throwing the community into mourning.

Shuwari is on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, a known hideout for insurgents.

Governor Fintiri assured the residents that his administration would not allow the area to be overrun by terrorists or abandoned out of fear.

He said that the government would take decisive steps to prevent insurgents from reclaiming or occupying any part of the state.

The governor pledged support to the affected families and promised to strengthen security in the area by reinforcing the local security architecture.

He said forest guards, hunters and vigilante groups would be equipped and supported to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.

The governor called for improved intelligence sharing between the Nigerian Army and local security outfits to ensure coordinated patrols and swift responses to threats.

Earlier, the chairman of Madagali council, Hon. Simon Shashi, confirmed that the attack occurred on Tuesday, February 24, resulting in 18 deaths.

He said three houses were burnt and several cattle rustled, while six persons sustained injuries.

According to him, five of the injured had been treated and discharged, while one remained hospitalised at the General Hospital, Michika.

Also, the head of Operations at the Yola Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ladan Ayuba, confirmed the casualty figures and disclosed that the organisation was conducting an on-the-spot assessment in Shuwari to facilitate the provision of relief materials to the victims.