How Boko Haram Attacked Shettima’s Convoy, Brutally Killed Six People In Deadly Ambush
On February 14, 2019, a devastating event unfolded on Tuesday evening when Boko Haram militants ambushed the convoy of Kashim Shettima, the then governor of Borno State, while he was traveling to a political rally in Gamboru- Ngala. The attack took place around 6 PM, when a group of armed insurgents, operating from three gun trucks armed with anti- aircraft weaponry and motorcycles, executed a coordinated strike on the convoy. This assault split the convoy into two sections, resulting in intense gunfire directed at the vehicles at the rear. Tragically, six individuals lost their lives in the attack.
Among the deceased were a soldier and Baggidos Usmanu, a member of the Usman Zannah Campaign Forum. Several others sustained injuries during the onslaught, and reports indicated that numerous individuals, predominantly women, were abducted by the attackers. Usman Zannah is a candidate for the upcoming House of Representatives elections, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Magumeri, Gubio, and Kaga Federal Constituency.
Members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who were part of the convoy, confirmed the harrowing attack upon their return to Maiduguri shortly after it occurred. Speaking anonymously, they described the ambush, which transpired between Gajibo Village and the Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area, a region that borders the Republic of Cameroon. The convoy included not only Governor Shettima but also Professor Babagana Zulum, the APC’ s gubernatorial candidate for Borno State, along with various party supporters.
A CJTF member recounted the incident, noting that during their escort of the governor, the ambush led to the immediate deaths of two individuals. As they retreated after the rally, additional bodies were discovered in the area. The soldier who was killed had bravely attempted to repel the attackers. Many supporters of the APC, including women and youths, were either abducted or remain unaccounted for. The insurgents also made off with one operational vehicle belonging to the CJTF during the attack.
The attack took place roughly 160 kilometers from Maiduguri, the state capital, in proximity to Kala Balge, where numerous humanitarian workers, security personnel, and civilians have been targeted in previous Boko Haram offensives.
One survivor, who identified himself as Abdullahi Adam Yau, expressed gratitude for escaping the deadly encounter. He revealed that his vehicle was situated directly behind that of Usmanu, who was among those killed. Usman Zannah corroborated the details of the attack, mourning the loss of Usmanu, a reputable and committed member of his campaign team, who hailed from Askira Uba Local Government Area.
The deputy governor of Borno State, Usman Durkwa, was not part of the convoy and, at the time, was unable to confirm the attack. He stated that he was still awaiting reports regarding the incident, as the governor and his team were not expected to return from their campaign activities in Mafa, Dikwa, and Gamboru until later.
However, the governor’ s Chief Press Secretary, Isa Gusau, subsequently confirmed the ambush, stating that six vehicles in the convoy had come under fire. He reported that three individuals were killed, while a soldier sustained injuries. Gusau elaborated that the attack occurred as the convoy was nearing its destination, with the insurgents exploiting the dust kicked up by the vehicles to initiate their assault. Initially, the incident went unreported as it was believed that the assailants had blended in with the rally participants following the ambush.
Following the rally, Governor Shettima remained in Gamboru overnight, a town previously occupied by Boko Haram before being reclaimed by multinational forces. Earlier that day, the governor had made campaign stops in Mafa and Dikwa, and upon his return to Dikwa on Wednesday, he met with military leaders to discuss the attack.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges posed by Boko Haram in the region, particularly as the state approaches crucial elections.
The impact of such violence not only disrupts political activities but also instills fear among the populace, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens and political figures alike.
