Boko Haram has seized the northeastern Nigerian town of Chibok, from where 276 girls were kidnapped more than six months ago and which the government vowed to secure after the mass abduction. This is even as bomb explosion and sporadic gunshot rocks Kano today evening amidst fear of dozen of casualties.
According to the senator for southern Borno, Ali Ndume, the militants attacked at about 4:00 pm yesterday, destroying communications masts and forcing residents to flee.
Ndume said that he had received calls from fleeing residents about the attack that the town “was now under their (Boko Haram) control”.
“There is no telephone service now in Chibok, which is why it took time before the reports reached me,” he added.
The attack on the town was said to have come after Boko Haram overran the towns of Hong and Gombi in neighbouring Adamawa state following the group’s ouster from the commercial hub of Mubi.
Eye witness said that they came in and engaged soldiers and vigilantes in a gunfight.
“Some of us managed to escape. All the telecom towers in the town were destroyed during the attack with RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades). No-one can say what the situation is in the town in terms of destruction to property.”
Pogo Bitrus, chairman of the elders forum in Chibok, also confirmed the attack but said Boko Haram may have had inside information about security in the town.
“The vigilantes use shotguns and cartridges and have been short in supply, so the leader left yesterday for Maiduguri to procure more in the event of any attack,” he said by telephone from Abuja.
“But Boko Haram launched the attack while he was still in Maiduguri. He was due to come today, so it looks like they knew what was happening.”
Bitrus said the vigilantes were preparing for a counter-attack and troops had been deployed from Damboa, 36.5 kilometres (22.5 miles) away by road to the northwest.
“I can assure you they are going to retake Chibok,” he added
Meanwhile, the explosion in Kano was said to have occurred behind a fuel station opposite NNPC mega station in Hotoro triggered heavy gun duel. Both military and police authorities are keeping sealed lips over the development. [myad]
