Terrorists operating in the forest area of Jibiya Local Government Area of Katsina State, have killed two soldiers of the 35 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, with 5 of them sustaining injuries while 2 are still missing in action after a group of terrorists ambushed them at Shimfida Village on Wednesday, August 31.
The attack is coming about 21 days after the residents of Shimfida were relocated back to their village from Jibiya town, where they were seeking refuge at a Primary School building, which served as a make-shift Internally Displaced Persons’ camp, after the terrorists sacked them from their village.
The attack also took place a day after the katsina state government procured 9 locally fabricated Armoured Personnel Carriers, APC’s, for security agents to enhance the fight against terrorism
A reliable source within the local government council who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the development, saying the two personnel still missing in action are, Lieutenant Colonel Musa and a Private Soldier.
According to him, the terrorists have now devised other scary means of attacking the villagers and security agents, by planting Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs.
While explaining how the attack and ambush took place, the source said the Army were escorting some of the villagers with an Armoured Personal Carrier, APC, when it stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device, (IED) planted by the terrorists.
He said, immediately after that occurred, the Army told the traders to retreat and stay far away so they can clear the obstacle, only for the IED to blow up the APC, resulting in an exchange of intense gunfire between the terrorists and the military.
The source added that the impact of the action was so severe that the APC was seen high in the air before landing.
It was also gathered that many terrorists were killed in the firefight that ensued after the ambush, but 2 soldiers were killed, 5 of them injured and are now receiving treatment at a medical facility, while 2 others, Lieutenant Colonel Musa and a Private Soldier are still missing, 2 days after the attack.
Additional information has it that, after the encounter, the terrorists made away with some ammunition from the soldiers, including the machine gun mounted on the APC.
The source also confirmed that none of the residents sustained injury or was killed, but added that the people are now scared, and are calling on the state government to return them to Jibiya town, for safety of their lives.
As at the time of filing this report, calls and SMS sent to the spokesman of the 17 Brigade,
Sinivie Tamuno we’re yet to be replied.
Recall that on August 8, about 13,000 residents of Shimfida Village, returned from Jibiya town, where they were seeking refuge at a makeshift IDP camp with several military escorts, but weeks after, they are now living in fear, as the terrorists have devised new means of planting explosives, and becoming more daring, as confirmed recently by the Governor, Aminu Masari.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
