This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
On January 7, 2020, a terror attack shook the community of Dadaab, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake.
According to the National Police Service, the mastermind behind the attack was none other than Maulid Bilal, a Kenyan Ogaden from the Abdalla Abdi Karim sub-clan in Hulugho sub-county, Garissa County.
Bilal, who served as a Madrassa teacher at Tumtish and Garabey before joining Al Shabaab, is believed to have orchestrated the attack that claimed the lives of four pupils and injured two others at Saretho Primary School.
As reported by Deputy County Commissioner Kibet Bowen, the militants stormed the school at around 2am, opening fire and causing chaos. The attackers also targeted the Saretho Police Post, attempting to destroy a communication mast, but were repulsed by Kenyan police, resulting in the deaths of two militants.
Police spokesperson Charles Owino revealed that officers recovered two assault rifles and bomb-making materials during the operation.
As the investigation continues, authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any information regarding Bilal's whereabouts to the security agencies.
