Niger villagers panic as B’Haram, soldiers engage in gunfight

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have clashed with Nigerian military troops in Niger State.

The terrorists reportedly invaded Bassa town in the Shiroro Local Government Area, launching a violent assault on the town.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, with residents awakened by the sound of sporadic gunfire. Some residents said the attack began around 5:30 a.m.

A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, recounted: “Around 5:30 this morning, we started hearing heavy gunfire. We were certain it was an exchange of gunfire between the military and terrorists.

“The security forces advised residents to stay indoors while they engaged the assailants in a gunfight. It was not immediately clear how many casualties were on the terrorists’ side.”

Several attempts to reach the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, went unanswered. He also had not responded to a text message sent to his mobile number at the time of filing this report.

The PUNCH reports that Bassa town has experienced repeated attacks by suspected terrorists. Earlier this year, the town was the site of a deadly attack in which soldiers, including a high-ranking captain, were killed.

Boko Haram militants, operating from camps in the nearby Allawa Forest Reserve or crossing from Zamfara and Kaduna through the Kuyambana and Kamuku Forest Reserves, have also launched attacks on the town.

The deteriorating security situation had previously led the military to withdraw its troops from the town, citing the need to restrategise. The withdrawal caused many residents to flee for safety.

Recently, residents began returning after the government redeployed security forces to restore order and safeguard the area.

Source » punchng.com