Boko Haram suffocates 12‑hour‑old baby in Chibok

By Ndahi Marama

A family in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State suffered a tragic loss when a 12‑hour‑old baby girl died during a Boko Haram attack on her community.

The infant, born just 12 hours before the assault, was left unattended amid the panic that broke out as suspected Boko Haram insurgents entered Bambatsu and Ngadarma villages in Mbalala Ward on Thursday evening.

According to sources, the mother—who had delivered only a day earlier and was still weak from childbirth—was unable to flee when the attackers stormed the villages. She reportedly hid in a toilet for safety, while the newborn was left in the chaos and later died.

The attackers, believed to be the same group that recently struck Mussa Primary and Secondary Schools in Askira‑Uba Local Government Area, entered Bambatsu and Ngadarma around 7 p.m. before moving toward the nearby Mussa community.

The coordinated raids claimed six additional lives, with five people killed in Bambatsu and one in Ngadarma. Several houses were burned, and food supplies and livestock were destroyed.

Resident Mr. Paul Mauntayhaga expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, especially the newborn.

“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 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,” Mauntayhaga added.

He said the victims were buried on Friday in accordance with their religious beliefs.

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