Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have attacked a nomadic settlement in Wuturo community, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one herder and rustling about 1,400 sheep.
The incident was confirmed on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, who said one other person sustained injuries during the attack.
According to the police, the settlement was invaded on Tuesday night at about 10:30 p.m. by armed men riding on five motorcycles.
In a statement, Daso said the command strongly condemned the assault, which targeted a community of nomadic herders.
“The Borno State Police Command condemns the recent attack on a nomadic settlement at Wuturo in Konduga Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists,” the statement read.
He explained that the incident was reported to the Konduga Police Division by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that during the attack, a 40-year-old herder identified as Ahmadu Baida sustained fatal gunshot injuries, while another victim, Mohammadu Baida, 30, suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg.
The attackers also rustled approximately 1,400 sheep belonging to herders in the settlement before fleeing the scene.
Following the report, a joint security team comprising police personnel, soldiers, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters was mobilised to the area under the leadership of the Divisional Police Officer in Konduga.
The victims were subsequently evacuated to a hospital where Ahmadu Baida was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor, while the injured victim is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, has directed the activation of coordinated operational strategies involving security agencies and community stakeholders to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen livestock.
Security authorities also said tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed to the affected community and surrounding areas to strengthen security presence and prevent further attacks.
The police command expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.