What should have been a moment of celebration for a family in Borno State ended in tragedy after a newborn baby reportedly died during a Boko Haram attack on communities in Chibok Local Government Area.
The baby girl, who was said to be only 12 hours old, lost her life amid panic and confusion when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Bambatsu and Ngadarma villages in Mbalala Ward on Thursday evening.
According to residents, the infant’s mother had given birth just hours before the attack and was still recovering from childbirth when the insurgents invaded the communities. Unable to flee because of her condition, she reportedly sought refuge in a toilet while residents scattered for safety.
In the chaos that followed, the newborn was left without immediate care and later died.
The attackers, believed to be linked to the same group that recently targeted schools in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, reportedly stormed Bambatsu and Ngadarma at about 7 p.m. before moving toward nearby communities.
The assault claimed the lives of six other residents, with five people killed in Bambatsu and one in Ngadarma.
The attackers also destroyed property, setting houses ablaze and damaging food supplies and livestock, further worsening the hardship faced by affected families.
A resident, Paul Mauntayhaga, expressed sorrow over the incident, particularly the death of the newborn child.
“In the attack that happened yesterday in Bambatsu, we lost five people, and in Ngadarma, we lost one person,” he said.
“Sadly, Sangula Happy’s wife gave birth to a baby girl just 12 hours before the attack, but the newborn baby was lost due to fear, confusion and lack of immediate assistance and treatment as everyone was running for their lives.
“The mother is still very weak and heartbroken after losing her daughter. This is the information that reached me.”
According to residents, all those killed in the attack, including the newborn, were buried on Friday in accordance with their religious traditions.
The latest incident underscores the continuing security challenges facing communities in parts of Borno State, where attacks by insurgent groups continue to disrupt lives, displace residents and inflict heavy humanitarian losses.
