The Borno State government and residents have commended the Nigerian military and vigilantes for their gallant efforts in repelling Friday night’s attack by insurgents on Zabarmari village, a satellite town outside Maiduguri in volatile north-east Nigeria.
The insurgents had reportedly pitched their tent in Koshebe, a neighbouring town, from where they mobilised and attacked.
They were confronted by the military and youth vigilantes for two hours but later gained entry into Zabarmari, where they looted food items and bombarded the town.
Witnesses say five civilians and two soldiers died in the attack.
Stronghold Of Boko Haram
Koshebe village in Mafa, barely 27 kilometres away from Maiduguri is now one of the latest strongholds of the Boko Haram insurgents.
Villagers of Zabarmari have fled their town for fear of further attacks from the assailants now just few kilometres away.
Some of the fleeing locals do not feel safe even in Maiduguri, the state’s capital, as they expressed worries that they could still be attacked.
Residents say Friday night’s experience could have been worse if the military did not stand their ground until they were later overpowered.
The Governor of the State, Kashim Shettima, is positive that the insurgents are losing the war.
Governor Kashim equally assured hundreds of locals taking refuge in a school in old Maiduguri to return home.
The 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri has since sent reinforcements to boost the fighting power of troops on ground.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah, said the Boko Haram terrorists in the north-east have been seriously degraded by troops of the Nigerian military.
Minimah’s statement is coming in spite of the latest attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State that have claimed several lives.
At the passing out ceremony of 152 officers of the Direct Short Service Course 22 held at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Corps, Jaji in Kaduna State on Saturday, the Army Chief tasked the officers on commitment to safeguarding the nation and its citizens.
