At least nine persons were on Wednesday killed by suspected members of the terrorist group Boko Haram, in Shani town, headquarters of Shani local government area of Borno state, a fleeing resident of the town told Thisday on Friday.
According to the resident who asked to remain anonymous, the insurgents operated in the area freely as there were no security operatives to stop them. They were there for several hours during which they wreaked massive destruction.
The source said further that the insurgents also left several residents of the town injured. They also destroyed many houses and vehicles in the council headquarters and were said to have abducted youths from the area.
“The insurgents came in large numbers and invaded the council at about 9pm on Wednesday, slaughtered their victims after destroying many houses and vehicles on the streets. Many people had fled the town for safety, leaving only aged people, sick ones and children who could not flee,” said Ibrahim, who claimed that the youth vigilante group in the area briefed him about the incident.
Thisday also cited a Police officer at Shani Divisional Police Headquarters, who asked to be anonymous as he was not authorized to talk to the press, as saying he had to flee the town for safety since the insurgents were well armed and “it would be suicidal to confront them.”
Although the military has recorded impressive gains in the fight against Boko Haram in recent times, attacks by the sect have also intensified.