Emir of Gwoza Dies While Trying to Escape from Boko Haram's Gunmen

The Borno State Government have confirmed the death of the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Timta, at the hands of gunmen believed to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist sect.

At about 10 a.m. the convoy of three Borno State first class traditional rulers, the Emir of Uba, Ismaila Mamza, the Emir of Gwoza, Idrisa Timta, and the Emir of Askira was ambushed by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. The incident happened near Shaffa town in Zur village, Hawul local government area of Borno State. The Emirs were on their way to attend the funeral ceremony of the Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar, who passed away on Tuesday.

The official statement was signed by Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, the Secretary to the state Government. According to it, the late Emir of Gwoza was in the same vehicle with his counterparts. They were heading to Biu to pick up the Emir of Biu to travel with them. The gunmen attacked "around Tashan Alade, soon after passing Garkida." The gunmen, according to the statement, specifically targeted the vehicle conveying the three Emirs.

While the Emirs of Askira and Uba managed to escape the attack unhirt, the Emir of Gwoza was "killed" by the attackers. Also injured was the policeman in the convoy.

Earlier reports indicated that the Gwoza Emir might have died of cardiac arrest while runnning for his life as the gunmen attack.

"Borno State Government is terribly shocked by this incident," the statement read. "The Government prays that Allah admits the late Emir into aljanna Firadaus and give family, members of the Gwoza Emirate Council, ‎the people of Gwoza, the State Council of Chiefs and the entire people of Borno State the fortitude to bear this very traumatic loss especially at a time the State is still dealing with equally disturbing issues related with security challenges in the State."

In the past couple of months, Borno State has been a frequent target for Boko Haram insurgents. Although the military and civilian vigilante groups are fighting the terrorists, many villages have been destroyed and ravaged. Hundreds of girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram from Chibok town still remain in their hands.

Source: Legit.ng