Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno state, says 18 people died while 21 were injured in Boko Haram attack in Damasak, Mobbar LGA.
The insurgents attacked Damasak with three gun trucks on Tuesday, resulting in the displacement of residents.
Governor Babagana Zulum, who disclosed this on Friday, April 16, during his visit to Damasak, said robust measures were being put in place to avert future attacks on the community by the insurgents.
The army subsequently released a video to show that the town has not been occupied by Boko Haram insurgents.
The governor, who spent Thursday night in Damasak, interacted with soldiers and others security agencies involved in counter-insurgency operations during his stay.
He said apart from the casualties, several properties were destroyed, which include UN humanitarian hub, police station, palace of the district head, a primary health care centre, and a GSM village.
Read Also: UN Confirms Boko Haram Attack On Its Facilities In Damasak, Borno
Zulum empathised with the affected residents and those who had fled to Niger communities. He assured them that measures are being put in place to avoid future attacks.
He donated an armoured personnel carrier (APC) and 11 patrol vehicles to strengthen the fight against insurgency.
The governor further directed that agricultural activities be strengthened in the town.
Until Damasak was first attacked in 2014, the town was renowned for the cultivation of vegetables and exportation to neighbouring countries.
Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar local government area in northern Borno, is located in the fringes of Lake Chad, and it shares border with communities in Niger Republic. The town used to be producer and exporter of vegetables to target markets within Nigeria, Niger republic and other neighboring countries.
Boko Haram occupied Damasak in 2014 as one of their caliphate. The insurgents appear interested in the town, probably due to strategic access to raising funds through agriculture and for land routes to Niger republic.
