By Muhammadu Gambo, Damaturu
Suspected Boko Haram were repelled by the military in Damaturu, the Yobe capital on Sunday evening.
The insurgents had earlier sent fears into the hearts of residents of Babbangida, the headquarters of Tarmuwa local government about 50 kilometres from the state capital Danaturu.
The company of insurgents, are believed to have moved from around Damasak, a Borno town, the headquarters of Mobbar local government area and transited through Mafa, which shares border with Babbangida on the eastern axis.
Sources said the people of Babbangida on sighting them ran into the bushes.
It could not however be ascertained from sources in Babbangida if there was any attack on the town.
However as the spokesman of the Army in Damaturu, Lt. Chinonso Oteh would revealed later that they just transited through Babbangida and did not launch any attack on the town.
The insurgents were later to emerged in Damaturu exchanging gunshots with the military as they tried to capture the capital town.
They were said to have even thrown explosive at the northern entrance of Damaturu where they engaged the military.
According to some residents of Zannah Zakariya Housing Estate, who spoke to our Correspondent on phone on Sunday evening, they started hearing heavy gunshots just after Magrib prayer (7.30pm) at the entrance of Damaturu near Yobe state Police headquarters.
Speaking on the incident, the Assistant Acting Assistant Director Public Relations Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, Lt. Chinonso Oteh said troops of the Nigerian Army repelled attempted infiltration of Damaturu by the terrorists who came through Babbangida road.
“Our men engaged the Boko Haram Terrorists in a heavy gun battle this evening (Sunday) along Babbangida road while on their way to Damaturu.” Lt. Oteh said.
He assured residents of Damaturu of the readiness of the Nigerian Army to protect lives and property of the people.
He however called on the residents to stay calm and continue with their normal businesses.
As at the time of filing this report at some minutes to nine, NAF air craft was heard hovering over Damaturu.
