Boko Haram insurgents reportedly struck again in Damasak, Borno state Tuesday as they invaded the town, which is the headquarter of Mobbar Local Government Area, in an attempt to retake the town and the settlements around it.
The insurgents were reported to have attacked and destroyed the Divisional Police Command, scores of schools, shops, and residential houses.
Damasak, which shares boundary with Niger Republic is about 160 kilometers from Maiduguri, capital of Borno State. It had been captured by the terrorist group in 2014. The area known to be the base of the insurgent group had suffered many attacks in the past.
Recall also that on March 18, 2015, the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Chadian Army attacked Borno Haram in Damasak. After days of fighting, the armies successfully pushed out the insurgents as they recovered the affected area.
However, according to reports, the Boko Haram group invaded Damasak as they hoisted their flags in strategic locations, in a bid to maintain their presence in the area.
It was gathered that the insurgents stormed Damasak with Improvised Explosive Devices(IEDs), Rocket Propelled Grenades, among other sophisticated weapons.
The insurgents were reported to have also looted medical supplies at the General Hospital in Damasak, while scores of humanitarian hubs and facilities were destroyed and razed down.
The Chairman of Mobbar Local Government Area, Hon. Mustapha Bunu Kolo, confirmed the latest Damasak attack.
Kolo who spoke with the Vanguard, said that the attack happened at about 5pm on Tuesday. He also disclosed that scores of people lost their lives in the attack, however, couldn’t confirm the casualty figure.
In his words, “Yes, there was another devastating Boko Haram attack in Damasak right now.
“Though I am not in Damasak, as I travelled out for official engagement, but based on the information at my disposal, the insurgents invaded the town since 5 pm and are still holding ground as at this time (10:40 pm).
”The insurgents have succeeded in razing down remaining humanitarian hubs, market, shops, and an unspecified number of residential houses, as they detonated their Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, without confrontation.
“I was also informed that many people lost their lives in the attack, but I don’t have the actual number of casualties as the insurgents are still much around to continue wreaking havoc on innocent civilians,” Kolo stated.
