Panic in Maiduguri as Boko Haram Launches Unsuccessful Invasion

Michael Olugbode

There was panic in Maiduguri yesterday as gunshots were heard in some parts of the town.

Residents in the outskirts of the town were seen moving in drove into the city centre, with claims that their locations were attacked by insurgents who were surging into the town.

Some of the residents of Aliramti Jiddari-Polo, Giwa and Molai who spoke on phone with THISDAY, said they had to flee because gunshots were heard all around their areas.

One of the residents of Aliramti Jiddari-Polo, Asabe Mamza who spoke with THISDAY on phone at about 6:30p.m yesterday, said: “My entire family and I are on the street, fleeing into town as gunshots is heard all over our area.

“We decided to flee when the sound of the gunshots was getting close to us.”

A resident of Giwa area where a military barracks is located, Abba Musa, said: “We had to move when gunshots were heard, we believe the military is engaging the insurgents who are headed into the town.”

Another person who spoke with THISDAY from the Giwa area, Yusuf Ibrahim, said: “My brother as I am talking to you we are all lying flat on the floor so as not to be hit by the flying ballets.”

Meanwhile, the military authorities in the state has warned everyone from fleeing into the streets.

A statement by the spokesman of 7 Division in Maiduguri, Colonel Kingsley Samuel, read: The public is please requested not to panic and discountenance the rumours of Boko Haram presence.”

The statement, which was issued at the peak of the exodus at about 7p.m, read: “You are further enjoined to please remain at home and be vigilant. The security situation in Maiduguri is under control.”