Residents of Dapchi town in Yobe state have called on the Federal Government to restore the presence of security agents in the town as soldiers stationed there abandoned the town after the last Boko Haram Attack.
According to a report by theCable, residents said the last Boko Haram attack on May 18, led to the burning of the Nigerian Army outpost in the area. The attack also resulted in the burning of homes as residents ran into the bushes for safety while the terrorists pillaged the town.
Although Army reinforcements pushed the terrorists out of the town, the soldiers did not station troops there.
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Rumours of fresh attacks on Monday and Tuesday led to a massive evacuation of the town by civilians who feared for their safety. According to a resident;
“Two days ago, we fled into the bushes to hide when we heard that they (Boko Haram) were coming to attack. We sent our children, women and the aged who could not run to stay in neighbouring places while the men remained in the town but were sleeping in the bushes at night.”
It turned out however that the impending attack was a rumour and residents started to trickle back in on Wednesday.
“There was no attack and everybody has returned home. But we need security; there is no security again since the soldiers left. They left after Boko Haram burnt their camp and we have been sleeping with our two eyes open for fear of the unknown,” he added.
“There are a few mobile policemen here, but in the evening, they normally go to another community called Baimari.
“We are pleading with the government to provide security for us.”
Dapchi became known after 117 female students were abducted by Boko Haram in February of 2018. Five of the girls died in captivity, 101 were released, while one other , Leah Sharibu still remains in captivity till this day.