Fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have given residents of several communities in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, a one-week ultimatum to vacate their homes.
According to media reports, the insurgents stormed the communities over the weekend, firing sporadically to instill fear before delivering their message.
The militants accused the local residents of leaking their movements to security forces, which they claimed had led to recent military operations against them.
A resident who doesn’t want to be quoted while speaking on the development said, “They came, attacked us, beat people, and harassed us. Now, they’ve given us a short notice to leave or be killed. We need help, but the media is silent on this.”
Another resident confirmed the threat, adding that many people lack the financial means to relocate.
“We don’t even have money to travel or rent a home. People are in abject poverty. Our lives are in danger”, it said.
Reports indicate that some residents have already started fleeing their homes as the deadline approaches.
Since the death of Boko Haram factional leader Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has been strengthening its control in the Lake Chad region, absorbing defectors from Boko Haram.
