Terror Returns to Chibok: Pastor, 17 Others Killed, Young Girls Abducted in Midnight Raid

The town of Chibok was thrown into chaos Saturday night as Boko Haram insurgents stormed the community, killing at least 18 people, burning three churches, and abducting several young girls.

Eyewitnesses told Punch that the attackers arrived around 11 p.m., firing into houses and places of worship. The ECWA Church, the town’s largest congregation, was completely destroyed, and its pastor, Rev. James Yakubu, was among those killed.

“He refused to leave,” said church elder Peter Bitrus. “He told us to hide the children and said he would not abandon the church. They shot him as he tried to move people out.”

By morning, thick smoke rose above the ruins. Charred pews and melted roofing sheets lay scattered across the church compound. Nearby homes were still smouldering.

Residents said at least six teenage girls were taken away in pickup trucks. Their names were being compiled by community leaders and security operatives as of press time.

“My niece is 15,” said Maryam Isa, sobbing beside the rubble of her house. “They took her and two others. We don’t know where.”

Security sources confirmed that soldiers repelled part of the assault but could not prevent the destruction of churches and homes. Search operations continued through Sunday afternoon.

Governor Zulum’s office condemned the killings, calling them “barbaric and heartbreaking,” and pledged to strengthen security presence in southern Borno.

Humanitarian groups have begun relocating survivors to Dalori IDP Camp, where thousands displaced by previous raids already live.

Community elder Mallam Adamu summed up the town’s mood:

“We are tired of burying our people and searching for our girls. Every time they promise it will not happen again, it happens.”

As dusk fell on Sunday, mourners gathered on the blackened church grounds, lighting candles and singing hymns for Rev. Yakubu and the victims. Their voices trembled but did not break a sound of faith refusing to die.

The town of Chibok was thrown into chaos Saturday night as Boko Haram insurgents stormed the community, killing at least 18 people, burning three churches, and abducting several young girls.

Eyewitnesses told Punch that the attackers arrived around 11 p.m., firing into houses and places of worship. The ECWA Church, the town’s largest congregation, was completely destroyed, and its pastor, Rev. James Yakubu, was among those killed.

“He refused to leave,” said church elder Peter Bitrus. “He told us to hide the children and said he would not abandon the church. They shot him as he tried to move people out.”

By morning, thick smoke rose above the ruins. Charred pews and melted roofing sheets lay scattered across the church compound. Nearby homes were still smouldering.

Residents said at least six teenage girls were taken away in pickup trucks. Their names were being compiled by community leaders and security operatives as of press time.

“My niece is 15,” said Maryam Isa, sobbing beside the rubble of her house. “They took her and two others. We don’t know where.”

Security sources confirmed that soldiers repelled part of the assault but could not prevent the destruction of churches and homes. Search operations continued through Sunday afternoon.

Governor Zulum’s office condemned the killings, calling them “barbaric and heartbreaking,” and pledged to strengthen security presence in southern Borno.

Humanitarian groups have begun relocating survivors to Dalori IDP Camp, where thousands displaced by previous raids already live.

Community elder Mallam Adamu summed up the town’s mood:

“We are tired of burying our people and searching for our girls. Every time they promise it will not happen again, it happens.”

As dusk fell on Sunday, mourners gathered on the blackened church grounds, lighting candles and singing hymns for Rev. Yakubu and the victims. Their voices trembled but did not break a sound of faith refusing to die.