Borno's Cry for Help: Emir Calls for Military Action as Violence Escalates

After suspected Boko Haram terrorists killed 12 persons in the previous 24 hours along Kirawa Road and the Bokko Ghide hamlet of Pulka District in the Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, the Emir of Gwoza, has appealed for military intervention.

Two of the victims slain at the Kirawa road ambush on Friday, April 25, 2025, were members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), according to the Emir of Gwoza, who confirmed the killings. The other ten victims were firewood scavengers who were also ambushed and killed yesterday.

Timta, who condemned the recent wave of killings in Gwoza communities and other areas, cautioned that if these attacks continue, they will undermine the military's and the Borno State Government's ongoing efforts to resettle, rebuild, and rehabilitate internally displaced people (IDPs).

Ten civilians who went to a neighboring bush to collect firewood were killed today (Saturday), and two more were seriously injured. It is regrettable that two of my people, who are members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, were ambushed and killed along Kirawa road on Friday.

In accordance with their religious customs, we buried the bodies today, and the injured were taken to Maiduguri for medical attention. 

"Let me take this occasion to ask Allah to grant the deceased's souls Aljanatul Firdaus and the wounded people a speedy recovery.

"We are aware that the military and government have been managing the Boko Haram crisis for the past ten years to the best of their abilities, but more work needs to be done in terms of technological warfare and advanced equipment to combat these terrorists."

Since many would be afraid to visit their farms, Timta stated, "I can assure you that these renewed attacks would demoralize our resilient people who have begun warming up for this year's cropping season."