Boko Haram Burns UN Facility, Police Station In Borno

Suspected members of ISWAP, a faction of Boko Haram attacked the United Nations (UN) facilities forcing humanitarian workers to flee for their lives in Damasak in Borno State.

Security sources told journalists the attack that happened on Saturday, April 10, 2021, was mostly targeted at the UN and NGO facilities. A police station and a hospital were also attacked.

“It was a bad situation we had on Saturday when the Boko Haram gunmen stormed Damasak later Saturday afternoon,” said a source, local security personnel who pleaded not to be named.

“The attackers came in large numbers riding on motorcycles and many gun trucks. They attacked an area around the UN hub, setting it on fire.

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“They also slaughtered two persons and we later discovered that two special forces soldiers also died.”

Another source informed our reporter that while most of the UN and other NGO workers were able to move into the bunker at the UN hub, the insurgents set fire on virtually all the NGO offices and warehouses.

“Yes, they set fire on the UN hub, the GISCOR office as well as INTERSOS, NRC offices before carting away their vehicles.

“The insurgents went to the General Hospital in Damasak and looted drugs and related medical facilities, but one of their commanders prevented them from setting fire on the hospital because there were patients in the wards.”

Reports have it that the Damasak police station was burnt down as the police took to their heels upon sighting the insurgents advancing toward the station. The attackers left Damasak with a hospital ambulance and some other vehicles belonging to some of the NGOs.