…Looses 3 Soldiers
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Nigerian Army on Sunday confirmed attacks on Magumeri, Borno State by suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists.
The Army however said that it successfully dislodged the attacks which took place on Saturday, noting that the terrorists attempted to dislodge its Forward Operational Base in Magumeri, Borno State.
A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the 8 Task Force Division, Colonel Timothy Antigha said that soldiers of the 5 Brigade Garrison located in the town fought gallantly and repelled the attack.
Antigha however announced that three soldiers lost their lives, while six others sustained injuries, adding that the bodies of the late soldiers and the wounded have been evacuated saying that the wounded are receiving medical attention.
Antigha also admitted that some other platforms were also attacked and damaged by the terrorists.
He however assured that the 8 Division is in control of the situation thus assured residents of Magumeri that everything is being done to ensure their safety and security.
According to him; “To this end, they are to continue pursuing their legitimate activities without any fear.”
Members of the Boko Haram sect were reported to have captured Magumeri town in the restive state of Borno on Saturday.
Some of the residents said the attackers entered Magumeri, which is about 50 km from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital at about 7:00 p.m.
The residents also said that the insurgents shot sporadically and threw explosive devices thereby prompting locals to flee to the forest.
One of the locals who identified his name as Wakil Bulama told Reuters on telephone that; “We hurriedly took our families to the bushes before they could get us. Almost every resident is hiding here.”
Another report said the attack which involved dozens of tanks and armoured vehicles – was aided by sleeper cells in the surrounding area.
