12 Killed In Fresh Boko Haram Attack on Kopchi village in Borno State

By Ibrahim-Gwamna Mshelizza

12 people have been killed in a morning raid on Kopchi village of Damboa local government area in Borno state , while several houses, shops, a local Church and a primary school were set ablaze by Boko Haram on Wednesday.

Kopchi is a remote village located in between Damboa and Chibok council areas where about 250 school girls were abducted more than two weeks ago.

A resident of the village, Mr. James Thliza said, "the gunmen numbering over 100 using Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles invaded the community at about 4am when residents were still asleep and ordered them out of their houses.

"The gunmen who carried ak47 rifles, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED, s) and petrol bombs gathered the villagers in one of the primary schools before openimg fire on them then set the place ablaze as well as residential houses.

"As I am talking to you now, we have recovered 12 dead bodies, and those injured are still laying critically without help, as people are afraid of taking them to hospital in Lassa town which is about 18 kilometres away from the affected village".

A nother anonymous resident told our Correspondent "the gunmen had a field day as they wrecked havoc on the entire village and fled without being arrested or confronted by the armless civilians in ."

"Some of us are lucky to escape after they gathered all of us at one of the schools before opening fire on us" he said.

" I thank God almighty for sparing my life, because immediately when the gunmen started shooting we took to our heels to different directions, some of the people were killed by stray bullets, but I was lucky to find myself in a nearby bush, where i hid till 6am". He narrated.

When contacted on phone for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Gideon Jubrin said, he is not aware of the incident, but promised to verify and get back to our Correspondent .

" Actually, I am just hearing this from you, but we have not received official clarification or information from the Divisional Police Officer in Damboa but as soon as we get details I will furnish you please", Gideon said.

However, a top security officer who is not authorized to talk to the press confirmed the incident, saying " Yes there was an attack in Kopchi on Wednesday morning which claimed 12 lives, while several houses and a church were destroyed". Ends.