Scores feared killed as Boko Haram recaptures Borno LGA

Suspected Boko Haram members on Tuesday evening wrecked havoc when they invaded Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area, Borno State.

They reportedly set ablaze the Divisional Police Command, schools, shops and many houses, killing many people in the process.

The insurgents were also said to have hoisted their flags in strategic locations. This is the second time they would be attacking Damasak. Last Sunday, a group of insurgents had invaded place and killed three soldiers, while six civilians were killed by an airstrike during a naming ceremony. The insurgents also razed most humanitarian hubs and facilities as they looted medical items at the General Hospital Damasak.

Damasak is a border community with the Niger Republic in the North and about 180 km drive from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Chairman of Mobbar Local Government Area, Mustapha Bunu Kolo, told Vanguard that the latest attack was disturbing, as the remaining humanitarian hubs in the town were razed down, including police station, market, shops and residential houses.

“Yes, there was another devastating Boko Haram attack on Damasak right now. “Though I am not in Damasak, as I travelled out for official engagement, based on the information at my disposal, the insurgents invaded the town since 5pm and are still holding ground as of this time (10.40pm).

“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.”