Residents of Kaleri, a community situated in the Jere local government area of Borno state, northeastern Nigeria, were thrown into panic when suspected insurgents launched a midnight attack on Tuesday, March 18. 

The attackers sneaked into the area and opened fire. The sporadic sounds that travelled through the neighbouring communities forced people to flee for safety in the middle of the night. 

A bullet struck and killed a 12-year-old boy, according to residents who spoke with HumAngle.

Community members rushed to convey the boy to a hospital but he passed away on their way. 

“We thank God that the scale remains as it is, with no complicated casualties. Only one child was killed by a bullet,” Yusuf Baba, a resident, told HumAngle.

“We were really frightened by the sporadic gunshots, and that has thrown us into chaos,” he said.

The intentions of the armed group remain unclear, as they quickly retreated when security forces responded to the attack. 

Incessant armed attacks are a continued security challenge faced by local communities in Borno State.

Kaleri is a densely populated community in Jere, yet it falls under the development expansion of Maiduguri, the state’s capital. This positioning makes it part of the urban expansion that stretches from Maiduguri, blending rural and urban dynamics. 

The area has witnessed rapid growth over the years, with heterogeneous residents engaged in various economic activities. However, like many parts of Borno, Kaleri remains vulnerable to security threats due to its proximity to terrorist hideouts and porous land area, making it a frequent target of attacks.

Over the years, the community has witnessed many cases of abductions and killings of their members who venture into the bush for firewood business or farming activities.