Displaced Kirawa Residents Struggle Between Nigeria and Cameroon Amid Renewed Insecurity
Hundreds of residents from Kirawa, a border community in Borno State, are facing extreme hardship after being displaced by renewed Boko Haram insurgent attacks. The victims, now scattered across villages in neighbouring Cameroon, describe a life of uncertainty, spending their days in Nigeria and crossing back to Cameroon at night to avoid midnight assaults.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday, the displaced residents recounted their ordeal since Saturday’s attack, which forced the withdrawal of Nigerian troops from the community. Without adequate security presence, fear of further attacks has left many unable to sleep in their homes.
Life on the Margins
Many of the displaced are now sleeping on roadsides, in mosques, and inside classrooms in Cameroon’s border villages. They say these makeshift shelters offer little comfort but at least provide some sense of safety compared to staying overnight in Kirawa.
The residents lament the absence of relief support, highlighting shortages of food, clean water, and basic medical care. Children and the elderly are reportedly the most vulnerable, with exposure to the elements worsening their plight.
Call for Urgent Intervention
The District Head of Kirawa, Abdulrahman Abubakar, confirmed the community’s displacement and appealed to both state and federal authorities for immediate action.
“Our people are suffering. We need the government to restore peace, bring back security, and resettle us in our homes,” he said.
Background of the Crisis
Kirawa, located along the Nigeria–Cameroon border, has long been a target for insurgent attacks due to its strategic position. Past military interventions had restored relative calm, but the recent withdrawal of troops has reignited fears and forced residents to flee once again.
The Way Forward
Security experts warn that without a swift response to restore military presence, the humanitarian crisis could worsen, potentially leading to mass displacement into Cameroon and further destabilization of the region.
