In the early hours of Saturday, October 5, 2024, suspected members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) carried out a devastating attack on Geidam town, located in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria. The militants launched their assault at around 3:30 a.m., catching many residents off guard as they unleashed destruction across the town.
According to reports from local intelligence sources, the ISWAP insurgents stormed Geidam with explosives, spreading panic and fear. The attackers targeted key areas of the town, including government facilities and civilian properties, in what seemed to be a planned and coordinated assault.
Two vehicles belonging to Nigeria Customs Service officials were set ablaze during the raid, adding to the wave of destruction. These vehicles were parked in the area when the insurgents arrived, and they were quickly torched by the attackers as they moved through the town. The destruction of these vehicles suggests the militants were intent on weakening government presence and authority in the region.
In a deeply disturbing act, the attackers also desecrated a grave during their rampage. The grave belonged to Khalifah Ayiloma, a respected figure in the community, and was located in Kolori Ward. The militants set the grave on fire, causing outrage among locals who regarded this as a direct attack on their heritage and spiritual beliefs. The act of vandalizing the grave symbolized the insurgents’ disregard for the sacred and added a layer of emotional trauma to the physical destruction they left behind.
One of the tragic incidents of the attack was the shooting of a local night watchman, Dahiru Muhammadu, a 60-year-old man who had been guarding an area near Geidam Polytechnic. According to witnesses, Muhammadu was shot in the neck during the chaos. He was immediately rushed to Geidam Specialist Hospital for emergency treatment, but sadly, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Muhammadu’s death has left a painful mark on the community, as he was well-known for his role in protecting local facilities at night. His senseless killing underscores the dangers faced by civilians who remain on the front lines of these violent attacks.
The recent attack on Geidam is a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by ISWAP and other insurgent groups in northeastern Nigeria. Geidam, which is close to the border with Niger, has been a frequent target for militants due to its strategic location and relative proximity to the Lake Chad Basin, where ISWAP has strongholds.
Despite efforts by Nigerian security forces to curb the insurgency, the militants continue to launch attacks on towns and villages, targeting both civilians and government installations. The destruction of property, loss of life, and desecration of cultural sites in this latest attack highlight the ongoing vulnerability of residents in Yobe State.
While security forces responded to the attack, reports suggest that the insurgents managed to flee the scene after carrying out their operation, evading capture. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures in the region, as many attacks continue to take place with little warning.
The attack on Geidam town has once again brought the realities of insurgency in northeastern Nigeria to the forefront. The loss of life, the destruction of property, and the desecration of a revered grave have left the town in mourning. As the region continues to face the challenges of insecurity, there is a pressing need for enhanced security measures and community resilience to counter the threats posed by groups like ISWAP.
The people of Geidam and Yobe State are calling for more support from the government and security agencies to prevent future attacks and protect innocent civilians who bear the brunt of these violent assaults.
