Security operatives of the Joint Task Force, today, rose to prevent the deadly Boko Haram from taking over Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state as the fighting between the twon began in the early hours of the day and continued far into the day.
Members of Boko Haram were reported to have gained entry into Damaturu through the border town of Gugba with the intention of taking over Damaturu and declaring it the Headquarter of their ‘nation.’
According to information, the Nigerian fighting forces prevented the Boko Haram from hoisting their national flag: “a yellow, white and red stripes” with weapons of mass destruction inscribed, at the centre in Damaturu.
Explosions and gunshots, according to frightened residents of Damaturu, were heard in some parts of the Yobe State capital, adding that the shooting started at about some minutes to 5a.m.
A resident of the city, Yaya Haruna, said: “It is as if they have surrounded us all here; there is sound of explosion and serious shooting. We are all lying down on the floor with our families. Please pray for our safety, that we survive this… ”
“We are in serious confusion now, we are just hearing gunshots and explosions on the southern part of the city and people are fleeing,” said Malam Abdulmalik who said that he was woken by loud sounds of gunshots and explosions.
An official of the State Security Service (SSS) in Maiduguri confirmed that “Damaturu may be under attack now.” Damaturu is 135 kilometres west of Maiduguri, the Borno HaramAn
A resident of the city, Yaya Haruna, said: “It is as if they have surrounded us all here; there is sound of explosion and serious shooting. We are all lying down on the floor with our families. Please pray for our safety, that we survive this… ”
“We are in serious confusion now, we are just hearing gunshots and explosions on the southern part of the city and people are fleeing,” said Malam Abdulmalik who said that he was woken by loud sounds of gunshots and explosions.
An official of the State Security Service (SSS) in Maiduguri confirmed that “Damaturu may be under attack now.” Damaturu is 135 kilometres west of Maiduguri, the Borno HaramAn
Air Force jet has arrived Damaturu, and is engaging the Boko Haram fighters.
“We are hearing the sound of the jet fighter hovering the skies amid heavy sounds of explosions. We don’t know what to do. We are still lying on the ground inside our room,” said Yaya Haruna, a civil servant and resident of the city.
The military personnel on ground in Damaturu are said to be careful in their response to the sudden attack.
They said they want to try as much as possible to avoid the shooting of civilians in their exchange of gunfire with the terrorists.
Residents said that the shootings have subsided and that everywhere is now quiet in Damaturu.
“We no longer hear the gunshots and blast anymore but the whole town is quiet except for the movement of vehicles that sound like military trucks”, said Yaya Haruna.
A police officer, who does not want to be named said that the gunmen invaded the town coming through Gujba town.
“They came through Gujba town and their first attack was the Police Mobile Force Base along Gujba road. We don’t know the details on casualty, but I fear it could be bad.”
“We are still under fire,” the Yobe State Police Commissioner, Marcus Danladi, said, adding: “Kindly sympathise with us. There is nothing I can tell you now.”
As Police Commissioner Danladi disclosed that loud sounds of gunshot could be heard in the background in a telephone chat.
“I’m sure you can hear the sound. That tells you we are still under fire.”
Meanwhile, in what looks like a coordinated attack coinciding with developments in Damaturu, heavy explosions were reported this morning near a cantonment in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital. It was gathered that residents were greeted with heavy bomb blasts in the early hours of this morning with attendant panic and pandemonium in the neighborhood.
The military personnel on ground in Damaturu are said to be careful in their response to the sudden attack.
They said they want to try as much as possible to avoid the shooting of civilians in their exchange of gunfire with the terrorists.
Residents said that the shootings have subsided and that everywhere is now quiet in Damaturu.
“We no longer hear the gunshots and blast anymore but the whole town is quiet except for the movement of vehicles that sound like military trucks”, said Yaya Haruna.
A police officer, who does not want to be named said that the gunmen invaded the town coming through Gujba town.
“They came through Gujba town and their first attack was the Police Mobile Force Base along Gujba road. We don’t know the details on casualty, but I fear it could be bad.”
“We are still under fire,” the Yobe State Police Commissioner, Marcus Danladi, said, adding: “Kindly sympathise with us. There is nothing I can tell you now.”
As Police Commissioner Danladi disclosed that loud sounds of gunshot could be heard in the background in a telephone chat.
“I’m sure you can hear the sound. That tells you we are still under fire.”
Meanwhile, in what looks like a coordinated attack coinciding with developments in Damaturu, heavy explosions were reported this morning near a cantonment in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital. It was gathered that residents were greeted with heavy bomb blasts in the early hours of this morning with attendant panic and pandemonium in the neighborhood.
The disclosure was made just as security sources said indigenes of Borno, Bauchi, Yobe and other states harbouring the sect’s ‘cells’ are under immense pressure and fear owing to threats on them to support the group with funds by a percentage of their salaries or profits made from their businesses, which is said to be non-negotiable.
[myad]
