Inside Borno community where residents travel to Cameroon to access potable water

Borno gov, Zulum

Inside a border community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State lies villages whose livelihood and shelters were destroyed by a Boko Haram attack in October 2025, displaced and now returned, but faced with another crisis as residents trek in groups to access water in Cameroon villages as a result of yet-to-be fulfilled promises made by the state government, writes ISAH OJO.

Residents of Kirawa, a border town in Gwoza Local Government, which suffered a Boko Haram displacement three months ago have lamented the absence of good roads, water, and health care facilities, most of which were impacted by repeated terriorists attacks.

With an approximate 128km distance from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the town located in Borno South, borders the Far North region of Cameroon

In a cross-section of interviews with Arewa PUNCH, residents of the community said the promise by the state governor, Babagana Zulum, to provide water, hospital, roads, and support for families affected by Boko Haram attacks in August and October 2025 was part of the assurances that motivated their returns after the displacement caused by the attacks.

Arewa PUNCH had earlier reported that on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Boko Haram terrorists launched an assault on the community and left trails of destruction after which they abducted a teenage girl, Aisha Mohammed Aja, whom our Correspondent learnt is still in captivity as at the time of filling this report.

Similarly, on Thursday night, October 2, the terrorists returned, killing two persons and causing a major displacement of thousands of residents to Cameroonian communities, where they slept on streets, mosques, markets, and schools.

Following the attack, the governor of the state, Babagana Zulum, during a sympathy visit to the community on Friday, October 3, assured the residents of mobilisation of security opertaives and the provision of key infrastructures, including water, hospitals, and roads. Punch