UPDATE: 11 feared dead as Boko Haram terrorists attack Maiduguri city
At least eleven have been feared dead as Nigerian troops and civilian self-defense fighters repelled a Boko Haram attack on the key northeastern city of Maiduguri.
According to witnesses, soldiers and police nine bombers and two civilians were killed, .
There was tension around Maiduguri city in Borno when suspected Boko Haram terrorists detonated three powerful bombs in an attempt to attack an IDP camp.
Ayuba Ibrahim an eye-witness speaking with the Associated Press said two civilians died in the blasts and seven self-defense fighters were wounded.
But Mohammed Kanar, from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said there were no civilian or military casualties, as the would-be bombers arrived after the 10 pm (21:00 GMT) curfew, Aljazeera reports.
Kanar, who is NEMA's northeast coordinator, said: "People were indoors. There was no one on the streets. None of the six female bombers succeeded in their attacks. They ended up being killed in the explosions."
According to multiple sources on Facebook living in the metropolis, the attack was carried out in the night on Thursday, February 16 when the terrorists tried to invade the newly constructed Customs House where IDPs from Mafa LGA are being camped.
They however met still resistance as soldiers engage them in a gun battle that lasted for an hour.
According to Zanna Yakub Lawan many people were also injured in the surprised attack.
He wrote: "Alhamdulillahi for being alive. The attack was defeated. Boko Haram (BH) tried to storm into Maiduguri metropolis, but our gallant soldiers defeated them.
“They tried to storm into Yerwa through the newly constructed Customs House where internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Ajiri & Anadua in MAFA Local Government Areas were camped. A privileged information from a friend (a Captain in the Army) indicates that all the dreaded BH boys were killed by our gallant soldiers including many s*icide bombers who also tried to infiltrate into Yerwa.
“However, many lost their lives as many also got serious injuries. As I'm posting this update, we are right now beside our residential gates at 505 [Housing Units here in Maiduguri]; security agencies and ambulances could be seen conveying those affected from Muna-customs camp to hospital.
“May the souls of those who died rest in perfect peace & May Allah grant quick recovery to those injured.”
As of the morning of Friday, February 17, Maiduguri has returned to calm after the deadly engagement according to one Mr Ayenigba who resides in the region.
Source: Legit.ng
