Reports emerging from Bama, in Borno
State, indicate that Boko Haram militants
have taken over control of the city.
Reports emerging from Bama, in Borno State,
indicate that Boko Haram militants have taken over
control of the city.
The state’s second-largest city was attacked
earlier today by the militants. That first attack was
initially repelled by Nigerian troops, but the
militants appear to have returned in greater force,
leading some of the soldiers to follow fleeing
civilians in an effort to escape.
Nigerian soldiers
Residents are saying tonight that Boko Haram has
completely overrun the city and hoisted its flag in
the city center.
A Nigeria military statement credited to General
Chris Olukolade didn’t offer much hope for Bama,
as the terse statement merely stated that the
attack on Bama was “being repelled.”
An intelligence source said reinforcements were
underway to Bama from Maiduguri, but our own
sources said only a few soldiers, in four armored
tanks, were seen near Yezaram River. He added
that the unit was in no way capable of re-taking
Bama from the militants.
SaharaReporters had reported earlier about
soldiers fleeing the battle into Maiduguri after being
overwhelmed by the invading Islamists. Their
barracks also received friendly fire from an Air
Force jet.
Over 100 injured soldiers are receiving treatment
at the MRS Hospital in Maimalari Barracks.
Several soldiers have died while others are still
missing.
