By Luka Binniyat
KADUNA – Nigerian troops stationed in Kareto town, Mobbar County, Borno State, North East Nigeria, suffered casualties after Boko Haram Islamic terrorists invaded its base and a number of soldiers killed, according to reports reaching ThruthNigeria.
A Press Statement sent to our reporter in Kaduna Tuesday, signed by Prof. Usman Tar, Borno state Commissioner of Information and Internal Security says that the attack took place on 16th November, 2024. The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum condemns the attack.
Both the Nigeria Army and the Nigeria Defense Headquarters are mum on the attack, which a news source and an insider put the death toll at 20.
Reads the Statement of Borno State Government:
“Following the attack on Kareto town in Mobbar LGA of Borno State on 16 November 2024, the Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum has condemned in strong terms the atrocious attack and reaffirmed the loyalty, commitment and support of the people and Government of Borno State to the security establishment.
“Gov Zulum also commiserated with the armed forces and the families of the victims: ‘on behalf of the government and good people of Borno, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the armed forces and families of the deceased over the demise of our fellow compatriots. May Allah rest their souls and grant fortitude to the affected families.’
“Gov Zulum noted that the Kareto attack is a painful reminder of the callousness of the Boko Haram insurgents who are bent on reversing the gains made in mass resettlement of internally displaced persons back to their ancestral homes in northern Borno.
“Kareto, a vibrant town, is one of over 20 settlements that are being targeted for resettlement of IDPs from Maiduguri and other locations.
“Gov Zulum noted that the attack on Kareto will not deter the government from carrying out its constitutional duty of providing the dividends of democracy to the people in collaboration with federal agencies.
“Gov Zulum thanked the armed forces and security agencies for standing in harm’s way in order to secure our territory and way of life. ‘We are eternally grateful to our gallant military and security forces for all they have been doing to safeguard lives and property in our state.
“The Kareto attack was a painful reminder of the heinous desperation of the adversary to torpedo our modest achievement, and cause panic in our communities. I call on our good people to stand firm, not to waver, and to support the armed forces as they work daily to confront our collective threats” noted Gov Zulum.
“Gov Zulum reiterated the resolve of the Borno State Government to continue to work closely with the armed forces to secure our country and provide development,” according to the press release.
Meanwhile Channels Television on its website, Tuesday, quoted a military source as putting the number of soldiers killed as 20.
Two competing Islamist insurgencies seek to overthrow the Nigerian government from the Lake Chad region: Boko Haram (Western Learning Forbidden, established 2002) and Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP, emerged in 2016). Both groups claim affiliation with Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.
Luka Binniyat is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
