The Nigerian Air Force did not respond to calls for support when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Takulashi village in Shikarkir ward, Chibo
The Nigerian Air Force did not respond to calls for support when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Takulashi village in Shikarkir ward, Chibok local government area of Borno state, according to military sources.
Around 10am on Sunday, the insurgents descended on the village, shooting sporadically and setting houses ablaze. Sources said not less than 11 of the villagers had been killed before the Nigerian Army’s 28 task force brigade headquartered in Chibok attempted to repel the attack.
“The insurgents came with six gun trucks, three other vehicles and some heavy weapons. They had also killed some vigilantes who first engaged them and had collected their Hilux vehicle. When they came in, the head of the vigilantes immediately called the army brigade.
“From the information he gave, the army brigade started calling the air force for air support as soldiers from the 117 battalion under the brigade were mobilised to advance to the area. Unfortunately, there was no response from the air force. The whole village was brought to ashes, and after about an hour of gunshot exchange with troops, the insurgents left.”
Another source said the insurgents who came in large numbers would have been dealt with if air support came on time. One or two air strikes would have decimated them. Most of the villagers ran into the bush, while some are making their way to Chibok which is about 15 kilometres away.
In February, residents of Garkida, Adamawa state and Korongilum, Borno state, had accussed the Air Force of refusing to open fire on suspected Boko Haram insurgents when they attacked their communities. But the air force had said it did not fire so as not to kill innocent people.
