Gov Shettima Urges Fleeing Villagers To Return

TROOPS of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Borno State Friday night repelled Boko Haram attacks at Zabarmari and Hadamari villages, and recovered a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) filled with bombs in the early hours of yesterday.

This is a refreshing break from weeks of successful attacks by Boko Haram that claimed many lives.

Emboldened, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has urged fleeing residents of Zabarmari and Hadamari villages to return, saying troops will protect them.

Addressing surviving residents of Zabarmari yesterday in a mosque, Shettima said: “Since the military have repelled the insurgents from destroying this village and with a minimal toll of seven dead, and nine injured persons, people should not run and flee to Maiduguri but return to their homes.”

The Director, Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, in a statement yesterday in Abuja said interception of the SUV was made during troops’ “cordon and search operation, after the multiple suicide bombings on two villagers near Maiduguri, the state capital.”

Zabarmari and Hadamari villages are farming communities, 25 kilometres east of Maiduguri.

The statement reads in part: “The jeep along with two Hilux vehicles being used by terrorists was destroyed in the course of pursuit and encounter with a group of terrorists trying to escape after simultaneous attacks on targets in the communities Thursday and Friday.

“A total of six suicide bombers had detonated them around the Muna garage; killing scores of people while some people were also wounded. A soldier also died.”

Olukolade added: “Military Explosives Ordinance experts backed by Police Bomb Disposal Units are continuing with search for bombs that might have been hidden or left unexploded in the area.”