A chief Imam has lost his life in a most shocking manner after Boko Haram terrorists invaded his community and slaughtered him.
A chief Imam and four others were slaughtered by suspected Boko Haram members in Borno State, according to information made public by the caretaker chairman of Magumeri Local Government Area of the State, Abubakar Abdulkadir on Monday.
The slain chief imam, Ustaz Goni Bukar Tabare, was the elder brother to a popular politician in Magumeri, Mallam Goni Kundube. Kurmiri village is in Titiwa Ward, about 15 kilometres away from Magumeri LGA.
Abdulkadir said, “The Chief Imam of Kurmiri village and four other persons were slaughtered by suspected members of Boko Haram sect last night (Sunday).”
Magumeri has witnessed a series of deadly attacks in recent past, including the ambush, killing and abduction of NNPC oil exploration workers, contracted staff of University of Maiduguri and 15 members of Civilian JTF in Bornoyesu village in July this year.
A resident of the village who spoke anonymously to our correspondent said the suspected Boko Haram members came into the village armed with AK47 rifles, knives and machetes. He said they, however, killed the victims with knives, as it was believed that their using of gun would have alerted many residents who could have engaged them.
Abdulkadir, who regretted the incident, assured his people that adequate security have been provided and normalcy have been restored.
He said, “We in Magumeri woke up this morning (Monday) and received a distress call that one of our communities witnessed Boko Haram attacks.
“Five people were slaughtered, including chief imam of Kurmiri village. We regret this attack and we pray Allah grant aljanul firduas to the souls of the deceased and their families to bear the irreparable loss.
“I want to commend the effort of our Civilian JTF members, security agencies for their prompt action which led to the apprehension of one of the attackers.
“I also want to urge members of the general public not to panic, but to go about their business as the situation is under control,” Abdulkadir stated.