AT least 20 fishermen have been killed in Nigeria’s northeastern state of Borno after Boko Haram insurgents attacked their village, fishermen and local security officers told Reuters on Thursday.
This is just as the Kano State Police command said it, in liaison with other security agencies, received intelligence about terrorists’ plan to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations in the state.
In the Borno attack, Modu Ari, a member of the civilian joint task force, told Reuters that the insurgents stormed the fishing community of Gadan Gari on Wednesday at about 11 am and opened fire at fishermen working in the area, killing at least 20.
Mustapha Kacahallah, a resident, said his child was killed in the attack and that they had buried more than 15 people.
Meanwhile, in Kano, the police stated that “to ensure a peaceful Kano State, necessary security arrangements have been put in place.”
The state police command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Kiyawa, copies of which were made available to newsmen on Friday, said: “We hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives identify and dislodge possible attackers.
“A team of experts from the command’s explosive ordinance disposal, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear units have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.
“We encourage residents to report any emergency or suspicious activity to the nearest police station or contact the Kano State police command.
“The Kano State police command remains committed to protecting lives and property as well as maintaining law and order in Kano State.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the good people of Kano State and urge everyone to remain vigilant.”
Nigeria has been grappling with a 16-year-long insurgency in the North East driven primarily by Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP that has led to huge human and economic losses, including mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis.
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