Nigerian Soldiers Stop Boko Haram’s Attempt To Take Over Bama, Several Jihadists Killed

Sep 2nd, 2014 – Nigerian Military Stops Boko Haram’s Attempt To Take Over Bama, Several Jihadists Killed

Monday was a bloody day for several Boko Haram extremists as they met strong resistance in the hands of military men in a failed attempt to take over another city in Borno state.

According to sources, over 100 terrorists who rode in a convoy of some Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) in military colour and motorcycles had attempted to enter Bama, through the Gwoza end but were repelled by watchful military forces. The development led to exchange of fire between the troops and the militants.

“There were heavy gunshots, very terrifying. Residents were scared and had to flee Bama to Kawuri and Konduga, some to Maiduguri, the state capital yesterday afternoon,” Abba Sheriff, who also fled, told Daily Sun on phone.

“I was afraid when I saw many Bama residents fleeing to Konduga. I thought Boko Haram is pursuing them and may follow them to Konduga. Even after they told me what happened, I still fled too,” he said.

Residents of Bama, about 85 kilometres to Maiduguri, said they woke up early yesterday morning to the booming of guns which threw them into panic near the Bama Mobile Police Unit, a few kilometres away.

It was not clear at press time the actual number of insurgents killed and the casualty of security forces, but a police source said more than 100 militants were gunned down in the fierce battle that lasted till noon. Many fleeing residents of Bama were seen arriving and camping at Mari near University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) yesterday. Personel of the 21 Armoured Brigade who were recently moved to Bama Barracks were also deployed to repel the attack.

Bama has witnessed nearly four attacks by Boko Haram in recent times, leading to the death of over 200 people and more than 100 terrorists.

Last Saturday, Boko Haram invaded four Borno villages including Jibwhiwhu in over 12 Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles, killing 14 people and razing a number of houses. Jibwhiwhu is a farming village which is 220 kilometres from Maiduguri. The militants operated from 10pm on Friday till 5am on Saturday.

A survivor of the attack, Mr. Amos Mitakanri, said: “The gunmen chanted God is great in Arabic and started shooting people. Villagers that attempted to escape were gunned down.”

[Reported By Daily Sun]