Boko Haram insurgents attacked Damaturu, capital of Yobe State in Nigeria’s troubled North-East region in what was described as a daring move. Yobe is one of three states under a state of emergency.
It was reported on Continental FM, Lagos that the terrorists were bravely battled by the Nigerian military. .
The insurgents reportedly attacked the town as early as 4am, trying to take control of the security facilities in the town.
Gunshots and explosions were heard and a base of the riot police was reported to have been set on fire. Yobe State University also came under attack.
The military jet was later deployed ti push the insurgents back and thankfully, the situation is now under control and the entire town has been cordoned off.
A resident, Ibrahim Abdul, who spoke on phone, said: “We were woken up by sounds of gunshots and explosions and up till now (8:30am) we cannot leave our homes as we are still hearing gunshots though less deafening than about two hours ago.”
“Everyone is indoors and our children are all at home with us as no one dares go out,”
The number of casualties remain unknown, though many people were killed. The insurgents suffered a lot of deaths but only a few police officers were also killed in the crossfire.
New York-based Human Rights Watch says Boko Haram has killed more than 2,000 civilians this year.
Damaturu has been targeted by Boko Haram a number of times before. At least 63 people were killed in an attack on churches and police in 2011 in what was then the deadliest attack of the insurgency.
Earlier this year, a suicide bomber in Damaturu targeted a crowd watching a televised World Cup football match, killing more than 20 people.