Terror at Border: Boko Haram Attack Leaves 20 Dead in Borno–Adamawa Communities

 
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

At least 20 residents have been killed in coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on two border communities in Borno and Adamawa states, deepening fears over renewed violence in Nigeria’s Northeast.

The attacks, which occurred on Tuesday evening, targeted Pubagu community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and Mayo-Ladde in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Chairman of Askira/Uba LGA, Mada Saidu, said 11 people were killed in Pubagu, while nine others lost their lives across the border in Adamawa.

“Yes, there was an attack in Pubagu around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, where 11 people were killed. In Mayo-Ladde, Hong LGA of Adamawa State, nine people were also killed,” he said, putting the total death toll at 20.

The affected communities lie along the southern edge of the Sambisa Forest, separated by River Yedzaram, a corridor often exploited by insurgents moving between the two states.

Saidu explained that the attackers overran local security formations before unleashing violence on residents.

“When we got there with the military, we discovered that the initial resistance came from local vigilantes and hunters, but they were overwhelmed by the terrorists,” he added.

Eyewitnesses described a prolonged and terrifying assault, with the insurgents arriving on motorcycles, firing indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze.

A survivor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted the ordeal: “They came in the evening and started shooting for hours. Houses and shops were burnt, and both men and women were killed. We had no protection.”

Residents said the attackers looted food supplies and other valuables, operating with little resistance after overpowering local defenders.

“The vigilantes and hunters tried, but the terrorists had superior weapons and were more in number. Eventually, they had to flee to save their lives,” another source said.

The latest killings come barely a week after a similar attack in Mussa community, also in Askira/Uba LGA, where insurgents reportedly killed four soldiers and a civilian on April 16.

The renewed violence highlights ongoing security challenges in communities bordering the Sambisa Forest, long considered a stronghold of Boko Haram and its splinter factions.

NNDC plans overhaul to boost performance, reposition as holding company — Chairman

 By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Chairman of the New Nigeria Development Company, Lamis Shehu Dikko, says the company is embarking on a major restructuring aimed at improving performance and repositioning it as a more efficient holding company.

Mr Dikko spoke on Wednesday at the opening of a two-day board and management retreat held at the Wells Carlton Hotels & Apartments, where stakeholders gathered to review the company’s operations and chart a new strategic direction.

He said the firm would adopt a more disciplined investment approach, driven by clear priorities, prudent capital allocation and stronger execution.

“We will pursue a focused, value-driven portfolio strategy anchored on discipline in execution and consistency in leadership,” he said.

Mr Dikko explained that the retreat was designed to bring together board members, management and external experts to reassess the company’s business model and identify practical steps for reform.

He said the process would also help the company confront its current realities and align its operations with long-term growth objectives.

“For over seven decades, NNDC has played a significant role in driving industrialisation and investment across Northern Nigeria. However, performance across some of our assets has been uneven,” he said.

“Our financial outcomes have not always reflected the scale of our potential. This retreat is an opportunity to turn those reflections into clear decisions and measurable results.”

The Managing Director of the company, Shehu Mai-Bornu, said reforms were necessary to reposition NNDC as a key driver of industrial development in the North.

He noted that the company must evolve in response to changing economic realities while staying true to its founding vision.

The retreat is being facilitated by KPMG Professional Services and has attracted participants from across the financial and corporate sectors, including Suleiman Ndanusa, Mohammed Kari, Mohammed Hayatudden, Aliyu Suleiman and Kemi Babalogbon.

Discussions are expected to produce a reform roadmap with defined priorities and performance targets aimed at strengthening the company’s role in regional economic development.