At least nine villagers, including two members of the civilian joint task force (CJTF), were killed and several others abducted when Boko Haram insurgents attacked the Chibok local government area of Borno State on Monday evening. Sources reported that the invaders stormed Kautikari village, located on the fringe of the Sambisa Forest, at approximately 5pm.
The victims included a young man who was scheduled to be married on 1st April. Witnesses stated that the attackers murdered two CJTF members during the raid. “Kautikari suffered yet another tragic attack yesterday,” a CJTF source said, noting that while nine deaths are confirmed, some reports suggest the toll may exceed 10.
The insurgents reportedly razed several buildings and wounded villagers after looting foodstuffs. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the attack highlights a significant security risk for the broader region. Kautikari is considered a strategic gateway shielding the towns of Chibok and Askira.
“If these attackers succeed in breaking through here, the defence of those towns will be gravely compromised,” the source added. The community has expressed growing frustration over the perceived lack of protection from the state, describing the village as a fortress that is increasingly under-resourced.
Families began burying their deceased on Tuesday morning amidst a sense of abandonment. Community leaders have called on the authorities to take their responsibilities seriously, arguing that the attack was a deliberate strike against those defending the area.
“We have cried out repeatedly for help, yet our pleas continue to fall on deaf ears,” the CJTF source said. The raid follows a pattern of targeted violence against key individuals and strategic locations in Borno State, raising further questions about the effectiveness of current security measures in the northeast.
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