Borno :Kala-Balge chairman confirms killing of 5 vigilantes
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Chairman, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno,Alhaji Zanna Ajid, has confirmed the killing of five vigilantes and injury of four others by insurgents in the Wulgo community.
Ajid stated this in an interview with newsmen at the weekend in Maiduguri.
He said the injured vigilantes were receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, where they were said to be in critical condition.
According to him, the insurgents lured the leader of the vigilantes into a room and killed him before planting an explosive device on his body.
He said some members of the vigilante group who went into the room after the leader failed to return were killed when they touched the body, triggering the explosive device.
Ajid said five vigilantes were killed while four others sustained severe injuries in the incident.
The chairman said Wulgo was among five communities for which Gov. Babagana Zulum had concluded arrangements for resettlement after the rainy season.
He explained that members of the vigilante group had remained in the community to prepare the ground for the planned resettlement.
Ajid said the insurgents also damaged solar power facilities and other infrastructure provided in the community as part of the resettlement process.
He said the local government had taken responsibility for the burial rites of the victims, adding that he and some officials of the council attended the burial.
The chairman said the council also provided food items and settled hospital bills for the injured vigilantes.
He added that the Senator representing Borno Central and the House of Representatives member representing the area also donated money to families of the deceased and injured.
Ajid said despite the attack, the vigilantes had reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the community and supporting efforts toward its resettlement.
He reiterated the commitment of the local government to protecting the lives and property of residents.
