The Nigerian troops have repelled an attempt by Boko Haram insurgents to invade Bama, the second largest city in Borno State.
Eyewitness reports says that the insurgents tried to gain an inroad into the city last night, which led to an all night fight which ended in the early hours of Monday.
The insurgents were reported to have arrived Bama firing mortars, Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPGs) and hurling grenades into the city.
A resident of the town, who anonymously spoke to Channels Television said “in Bama this morning, there was a serious attack by the insurgents; they laid siege on the military base wanting to sack them but we thank God that didn’t happen because the military were up to the task and they repelled them.
“But for now, I know so many people have been injured and killed whose number we cannot ascertain now and some military men had to move back to Maiduguri because they were expecting attacks in some parts of Maiduguri and Gamboru-Ngala.
“So many soldiers too were injured. But young Nigerians, particularly the Civilian JTF were up to resist any entrance of vehicles or persons into Maiduguri from Bama axis”, he said, adding that “people are under panic in Maiduguri and Bama; people are living under fear.
Army Imposes Dusk To Dawn Curfew
Meanwhile, the 7th divisional headquaters of the Nigerian Army has imposed a curfew in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state.
Bama is about 76 kilometres drive and south east of Maiduguri, the state capital which had witnessed series of deadly attacks by suspected terrorists.
According to army authorities, the curfew is from 7pm to 6 am and is to remain until further notice.
This action, the army said, is to forestall a plot by Boko Haram militants to attack Maiduguri.
The Nigerian Army is currently battling Boko Haram insurgents in Bama, some 40 kilometers away from Maiduguri.
