Boko Haram Launches Fresh Attack On Geidam, Yobe Governor’s Home Town

 

Suspected members of Boko Haram

militants are currently launching an attack

on Geidam, the home town of Governor

Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe state, locals say.

Terrified residents said that sporadic

gunshots were being heard in the town.

Geidam is about 180 kilometers from the

state capital, Damaturu. It is also a border

town between Nigeria and the Republic of

Niger.

A resident said he noticed the movement of

seven pick up vans moving through the

town believed to be conveying members of

the terrorist group.

resident said: “There had been ceaseless

shooting. Everyone is indoor right now

and no one can say exactly what is

happening outside but I saw seven pick-up

vans coming into the town from the

direction of Niger Republic.”

Another resident said they learnt military

re-enforcements were coming from Gashua

and Damaturu but that could not be

confirmed.

The military spokesman was not

immediately available for comment.

But the Police Public Relations Officer in

the state, ASP Toyin Gbadegesin, who

confirmed the attack said “the militants are

currently making efforts to invade the

town but security forces on ground are

well in control of the situation”

The PPRO said security forces are well

aware of their responsibility of protecting

the lives and property of the people and

urged them to remain calm and go about

their normal businesses.

He also called on the people “to continue to

partner with security agents towards the

restoration of peace in the state and the

country at large.

Earlier in the day, gunmen believed to be

Boko Haram had launched suicide attacks

in three different locations in Damaturu,

killing at least 17 and injuring 11.

Geidam town last came under attack in

March this year with residents fleeing into

Meine-Soroa of Niger republic and other

major towns in the state before returning

to their homes weeks after the restoration

of peace in the area.

Source: Vanguard