Five dead as ‘civilian JTF’ groups clash in Borno

Five people were feared following a clash between two groups of Volunteer Vigilance Youths, popularly called “Civilian JTF” in Biu, Borno State.

The Maiduguri-based ‘Civilian JTF’ men were on a manhunt of a suspected Boko Haram insurgent in Biu, about 185 kilometres south of Maiduguri, the state capital.


Biu is reputed to be a major base of the insurgents.

An eyewitness, who spoke in confidence, said two people who sustained gunshot injuries during the incident were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe, for treatment.

He said trouble started when the Maiduguri-based “Civilian JTF”, assisted by soldiers, invaded Biu in search of the Boko Haram suspect”.
The eyewitness added: “The Biu-based ‘Civilian JTF’ reportedly asked those from Maiduguri to leave because their presence would create tension among Biu residents.

“It was in the process that a fight ensued between the two youth groups. It led to the killing of five persons.
“I saw five bodies before we rushed the two injured victims to the FMC in Gombe. It is possible the casualty figure could be more than five, but I cannot tell exactly where the bodies were deposited.”
The identity of those who died could not be ascertained last night.

Last Tuesday, eight persons, including a lecturer with the College of Education, Waka, Biu, were allegedly killed by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The military Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Borno State Police Command could not be reached for confirmation of the incident last night.


GSM services have been epileptic in Borno State since the declaration of state of emergency in May.