30 killed in Yobe attacks ...As govt imposes 24-hour curfew

No fewer than 30 people including policemen and soldiers were killed yesterday in Damaturu when bombers and gunmen suspected to be of Boko Haram sect launched coordinated attacks on the town. The attack, which led to gun battle between the security forces and the Boko Haram men left in its wake woes as scores died while many were injured.    


A very dependable source at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, hinted that 30 corpses were brought to the hospital in the afternoon before they were taken to the morgue. Among the dead, according to the hospital source were two soldiers and two policemen (one from the mobile unit). A police officer also claimed that 15 of the sect members were killed, adding that the patrol team was still picking corpses in different places.  

But the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Patrick Egbuniwe told Daily Sun that the police lost three of their personnel while four were wounded. He said the command was yet to ascertain the number of casualties on the civilian side, adding that he “can only give the casualtirs figure on the side of the police.” He said the police have intensified “robust patrol” with other security agencies in the state.


“You know after any problem, what we do immediately is to condone off the affected areas and then intensify patrol and surveillance. So we’ve started robust patrol operation, I mean joint patrol with other security agencies,” CP Egbuniwe disclosed.   
  Residents have remained indoor since yesterday evening when sporadic gun shots were heard in different parts of the town, including Gwange, Pompomari and Sabon Pegi. Many of the travelers and motorists were turned back from Ngelzerma, few kilometers to Damaturu following the announcement of 24 hours curfew yesterday morning, while luxury buses on night journey from Lagos and eastern part that arrived the state in the early hours of the day were stranded on the way.        

The state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam said the government resolved to impose the 24-hour curfew because of the “prevailing security situation in the state capital.” Gaidam through a statement signed by his media adviser, Abdullahi Bego directed residents to remain in their homes while the security agencies continue with their effort to ensure the protection of life and property.


“The 24-hour curfew directive is for Damaturu metropolis only. Restriction of movement for other parts of the state, except Potiskum town, still remains 10PM to 6AM daily. Restriction of movement in Potiskum town remains 6.00PM to 6.00AM daily,” the governor said even as he called on people “to continue to give maximum cooperation to the security agencies in their effort to ensure the safety of life and property.”


Gov Gaidam also urged people not to relent in their prayers “for the Almighty Allah (SWT) to restore peace in our state and the nation in general.”