Maiduguri on fire! Multiple explosions reported, many feared killed
Two militant attacks in less than 24 hours have left scores of people dead in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri, reports say.
This is coming just days after the Nigerian government announced that it had “technically defeated” the notorious Boko Haram jihadists.
Gunmen armed with rocket-propelled grenades invaded Jiddari Polo, an area on the outskirts of the city, Sunday evening, shooting sporadically and unleashing explosives.
Nigeria’s military responded with artillery fire, forcing the attackers to retreat.
And on Monday morning, a fresh explosion was reported at a mosque in the Borno state capital. The number of victims is yet to be ascertained as local media are reporting differing figures ranging from 20 to 60.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Military has refuted reports of Sunday evening’s attack.
The Army, in a statement released by its Media Coordinator of Operation, Colonel Mustapha Anka, said it intercepted and destroyed 10 suspected Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers at the outskirts of Maiduguri town.
Here’s the statement:
“This evening (27 Dec 15), troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, intercepted and destroyed 10 suspected Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers at the outskirts of Maiduguri town.
“Contrary to earlier media reports and rumours flying around, 2 Boko Haram terrorists suspected suicide bombers earlier intercepted by vigilant troops disclosed their colleagues intent to enter the city with the aim of detonating bombs in selected public places”.
“Consequently, the troops laid ambush on the terrorists suspected routes along Damboa road and eliminated them. The suicide bombers were intercepted in 3 different locations approaching the city; Ajiri area towards Damboa road, High Court axis and the Eye Hospital Area”.
“The Explosive Ordinance Device team have been mobilized and they are combing the general a area as well as clearing the debris. Normalcy has been restored to the general area and the public are please advised to go about their normal businesses and social activities. However, it is important to maintain more vigilance and security consciousness”.
Also, the killing of at least 14 persons by suspected Boko Haram militants on Christmas day has been largely under-reported in the country’s media.
Militants, mounting bicycles, invaded Kimba village kiling people and torching their homes.
The insurgents have also carried out deadly cross-border raids in neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger, fuelling fears that the hardline Muslim movement is growing into a regional jihadist threat..
