Suspected members of Boko Haram on Tuesday evening invaded Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar local government area of troubled Borno state, inflicting destruction on the area without any reported opposition from the Nigerian Military
According to reports, the armed insurgents dealt destructive blows on public facilities in the area, including the Divisional Police Command, schools, shops and residential houses as they hoisted their flags in strategic locations.
On Sunday, April 11, 2021, the insurgents had invaded Damasak, killing three soldiers, with six innocent civilians reportedly killed by an airstrike while participating in a naming ceremony.
And in the latest invasion, they destroyed most humanitarian hubs and public facilities, while also looting medical consumables at the General Hospital, Damasak.
Damasak is a border community with the Niger Republic north and is about 180 km drive from Maiduguri, the state capital.
Chairman of Mobbar Local Government Area, Hon Mustapha Bunu Kolo, who confirmed the latest attack and killings in Damasak, told the Vanguard that the development is quite disturbing, as the remaining humanitarian middles within the town were razed, including Police Station, Market, shops and residential houses.
“Yes, there was another devastating Boko Haram attack in Damasak right now. Though I am not in Damasak, as I travelled out for official engagement, but based on the information at my disposal, the insurgents invaded the town since 5pm and are still holding ground as at this time (10:40 pm).
“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 continue wreaking havoc on innocent civilians”.
However, efforts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Okon for confirmation of events on ground proved abortive at press time. – Vanguard
