…14 killed, 65 injured
There are clear indications that the last dastardly suicide attack at Alai Fubawu Market at Muna Garage in Maiduguri may have caught residents and security agents off guards as the insurgents equally changed their planning amidst the reviewed curfew in place.
A security source who does not want to be mentioned told our correspondent that the insurgents ‘not resting on their oars’ took advantage of the improved security, targeted the curfew timeline, what he described as the rush hour of the curfew to infiltrate the crowd and subsequently unleash terror causing havoc resulting to heavy casualty and injuries on innocent people.
“This fight is not yet over but the people and we the security agencies forget very easily. Once there is a break in attacks, the residents’ vigilance drops and security operatives too become relaxed.
“Staying in the northeast and Maiduguri especially requires maximum alertness and prayers for one not to be caught by these heinous acts of terror from the Boko Haram terrorist”, the source said.
The attack at Muna Garage on the 17/01/2018 marked one of the first major attacks on maiduguri for this year, 2018.
“You can see clearly that it was the time the curfew was about to close that these insurgents hurriedly smuggled themselves into the people to strike. This shows that they are equally changing their strategies alongside with security agents. Those times of the curfew are very critical time. It’s always good to finish your business in time and avoid the rush hours,” another security source informed.
Not fewer than 10 innocent civilians were killed and 65 others were injured in blasts which took place on the 17/01/2018 in the evening.
The four suicide bombers who also lost their lives brought the total figure of death casualties to 14.
According to the Borno State Police Command, at least 12 persons were killed and 48 others injured on in the attack.
The police narrative of the account , the Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, said a male suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at a crowded market killing himself and 10 other persons.
“One other suicide bomber out of panic detonated explosive and blew himself alone into pieces,” he said.
Mr. Chukwu said the wounded persons were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The police commissioner called on the people to be vigilant and report suspicious persons in their communities to security agencies.
“People should be vigilant because Boko Haram insurgents have not surrendered”.
The Nation reports that the Maiduguri attack came three days after Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau released a video of the Chibok girls still held by Boko Haram claiming that they will never return again.
The video also showed Shekau said his group last year “willingly” released 107 schoolgirls who refused to accept his creed, but the estimated 100 who remain are pleased to stay with Boko Haram and unwilling to return to their parents.
The clip also showed images of military vehicles, armored tanks and a helicopter that Shekau claimed his men had destroyed during a shootout last week.
