Dozens of suspected Boko Haram insurgents were killed on Tuesday when combined security forces repelled their attack on Maiduguri, Borno State capital, residents have said.
Thousands of civilians had fled their homes following sporadic shooting greeted with several explosions in Molai and Jiddari Polo areas of Maiduguri.
Our correspondent reports that the incident which occurred when the Muslim faithful were about to break their fast forced thousands of people to leave their homes for safe locations in other parts of the state capital.
A resident, Musa Kadai, said they suddenly heard some deafening sound at exactly 5:50 pm which caused pandemonium everywhere.
“It was like a dream to me. I was preparing to break my Ramadan fast when we started hearing heavy explosions and gunshots. I quickly took two of my children and my wife, and drove out of the area.
“This is sad. It was unfortunate that this could happen near our noses. We saw women and children on the road. Everything is calm now as we returned home around 8pm to break our fast,” Musa said.
A member of Civilian JTF, Abdul Ba’ Kura, claimed that several Boko Haram insurgents lost their lives after a swift response from combined security operatives.
“They came through Molai axis and Judumari area. But unfortunately for them, there was a prompt response from security agencies.
“God gave us victory over Boko Haram yesterday, I can confirm to you. Several of them were killed by our combined operatives, scores escaped with gunshot wounds,” Abdul said.
It was gathered that some facilities were set ablaze by the attackers during their assault on Maiduguri.
