Boko Haram Takes Over Bama, Borno
The dreaded Boko Haram sect have reportedly taken over Bama, Borno state, according to Sahara Reporters.
This is coming after
The militants reportedly returned in full force, which led to some of the soldiers fleeing the town. They joined large groups of civilians in order to avoid being killed. There are aslo reports of weapons being abandoned by the retreating troops. The number of fleeing soldiers was around 500.
According to an undisclosed source of SaharaReporters, a jet fighter of the Nigerian Air Force sent to assist the ground troops. It bombed the Bama Barracks by mistake, causing casualties among the military men.
However, the DHQ debunked this allegation, confirmed that the Air Force was bombing terrorists, but denied the act of 'friendly fire'.
The military also informed that all the wounded soldiers from Bama would receive help and treatment at a military hospital of Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri.
The Boko Haram sect, according to a resident, have taken complete control of Bama and hoisted its flag in the city center. Meanwhile, it was earlier reported today that the Defence Headquarters had announced that Bama was under serious attack, but it had been repelled. However, no update has been provided by the security operatives on the present situation in the troubled town. The only update which appeared on the official Twitter page of the DHQ in the morning of September 2, 2014, Tuesday, proclaimed 'victory'. Though the context was not given and, probably it is too early for congratulations.
RELATED: Army Kills Over 50 Boko Haram Members In Fierce Battle
Contrary to claims that reinforcements were headed to Bama from Maiduguri on Monday, a source has told SaharaReporters that the unit was not capable of facing the militants and taking over Bama from the insurgents, as only a few soldiers, in four armored tanks, were seen near Yezaram River.
Bama with a population of about 500,000 people is about 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, which has witnessed series of deadly attacks by the Islamist group.
Bama is the second largest city in Borno State.
Despite the state of emergency imposed on Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states by the Federal Government, the sect have continued their deadly attacks.
As a result, spokesman for the 7th Division today, Col. Sani Usman, said the ongoing curfew hours in the state have been extended by two hours. The curfew which was reported to usually start by 9pm will now start by 7pm to 6am.
The Islamist group, Boko Haram over the past months have continued to carry out their incessant attacks in Bama, Borno state, killing scores of people while causing massive destruction in the state.
In June 2014, it was reported that Boko Haram had taken over Borno villages and burnt countless churches, houses thereby displacing thousands of villagers from their homes.
It would be recalled a survivor of the attack on Bama by Boko Haram militants said following the attacks, the Nigerian soldiers on duty fled on sighting the terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons as they invaded Bama in their dozens.
Source: Legit.ng
