A shocking twist has emerged from the heart of conflict as an inter-ethnic clash rocked Boko Haram fighters in Borno State’s Kukawa Local Government Area. Amidst the chaos, it becomes clear that even among militants, intricate dynamics and betrayals are at play.
Reports from the region reveal that the conflict ignited after seven Boko Haram fighters from the Buduma tribe were executed by their own commander on Bukkwaram Island. Their ill-fated surrender to the Nigerian military exposed their intentions, as they were betrayed by their comrades.
The story takes a darker turn as clashes emerged among the tribes represented among the fighters: Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, and Buduma. The ethnic tensions reached a boiling point, escalating the situation beyond the initial clash.
Amidst this turmoil, the call for fighters to disperse to their chosen destinations led to heated debates. The situation escalated when one commander, Baduma Bakura, resisted, resulting in his tragic demise. This event set off a violent exchange, leading to the death of 82 fighters. The identity of Boko Haram or ISWAP members became irrelevant, as the conflict devolved into a purely ethnic war.
A security source shed light on the identities of the deceased fighters. Many of them were well-known Boko Haram members who had fled Baga, Doron Baga, and Kukawa, seeking refuge in Niger Republic and other Sahel regions. Their return sparked the ethnic strife, leading to significant losses on their side.
The tragedy underscores the multifaceted nature of conflicts, even within extremist groups. As these events unfold, it becomes clear that divisions, betrayals, and personal grievances can disrupt even the most organized of forces.