“We Fled When Militants Chased Out the Army”: Hundreds Return to Borno Villages Amid Renewed Attacks
File source: Reuters
Hundreds of displaced families have begun returning to their homes in Marte, northeastern Nigeria, after fleeing a wave of violent militant attacks in Borno state.
According to report by Reuters, at least 20,000 people had fled from Marte to the town of Dikwa on Monday alone, as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) ramped up their assaults in the region.
One returnee shared a chilling account of their ordeal: “People fled after the militants chased the military out.” His statement reflects the fears that gripped residents after militants overran army positions and launched brutal attacks on communities.
In recent weeks, insurgents have targeted army bases and massacred civilians, with 23 farmers reportedly killed in one district. The renewed violence comes despite years of heavy military operations meant to degrade terrorist capabilities in the region.
However, under the protection of military escorts, some brave residents are now making the arduous journey back to Marte in an effort to reclaim their lives and rebuild their communities.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed deep concerns over the continued displacement of residents. He warned that keeping people in camps such as those in Dikwa could have dangerous consequences. “Leaving residents to live in a camp in Dikwa is a big threat,” he stated. “It would leave young men vulnerable to recruitment by insurgents.”
According to humanitarian organizations, the 16-year-long insurgency has left more than 2 million people displaced and claimed thousands of lives. The recent upsurge in attacks has raised fears that militants may be regaining ground, despite repeated claims of progress by Nigerian security forces.
The unfolding situation highlights the fragile security landscape in Nigeria’s northeast, where the struggle to protect civilians and restore stability remains an ongoing challenge.
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