An unusual wave of jihadist attacks has increased fear in northern Mozambique that, the country will fail to fully cash in on a gas bonanza.

After 180 trillion cubic feet (5.1 trillion cubic metres) of natural gas were discovered off the north-eastern shore, Mozambique entertained dreams of following Qatar down the path towards wealth. The government even predicted that by 2035, GDP per head could increase sevenfold.

But the southeast African country’s golden vision has been thrown into doubt by an explosion of bloodthirsty assaults by a shadowy jihadist group in the region where the industry plans to base its hub.

Since October, more than 30 people have been killed in brazen assaults on unarmed villagers.

Security forces have rushed reinforcements to the area yet seem powerless to stem the attacks. Terrorised, many civilians have fled their homes and a cloud hangs over the great expansion plans.

US oil and gas giant Anadarko, the largest exploration company in the region, has invested $4 billion (3.4 billion euros) so far it plans to put in $20 billion over the lifetime of the gasfields.

But following a US embassy alert on June 8 that warned of an imminent attack on the regional gas hub Palma, Anadarko temporarily suspended some activities and moved affected workers and contractors to a secure site.

Canada’s Wentworth Resources has already suffered delays to its projects as a result of the insecurity, forcing it to seek a year-long extension for its initial exploration.

In its successful application to the authorities, Wentworth said the attacks had “prevented safe access to the area for Wentworth staff and contractors”.