Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a deadly attack on the military formation in a village in Borno State, leading to fears that scores may have been killed.
According to reports, the insurgents rode on utility vehicles to the military base and police station in Jakana Village, situated along Maiduguri-Kano highway in Konduga Local Government Area of the state.
SaharaReporters quotes a source as saying the insurgents came at about 6pm and started shooting sporadically for hours, leaving many travellers trapped.
The whole village was deserted as a result of pandemonium.
“The villagers ran into bushes for dear life, as military engaged the insurgents in a gun duel,” the source said, adding that many may have been killed among motorists using the highway.
Jakana, an agrarian community, is situated along the Maiduguri-Kano highway. It has never fallen to Boko Haram despite repeated attacks by the terror group.
The Maiduguri-Kano highway is considered one of the safest routes in Borno in the past four years.
As of the time of filing in this report, neither the military nor the Police had issued a statement on the attack.
This new attack comes just days after Boko Haram factional leader Abubakar Shekau re-emerged in a new video after a long absence that fuelled speculation about his health and ability to lead the Islamist militants.
In a 36-minute message, seen by AFP on Tuesday, Shekau wore a white robe and skull cap, and held an assault rifle as he sat in front of a military camouflage canvas.
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