Reports emerging from Bama, in Borno State,
indicate that Boko Haram militants have taken over control of the city.
The state’s second-largest city was attacked earlier
today by the militants. That first
attack was initially repelled by Nigerian troops, but the militants appear to
have returned in greater force, leading some of the soldiers to follow fleeing
civilians in an effort to escape.
Residents are saying tonight that Boko Haram has
completely overrun the city and hoisted its flag in the city center.
A Nigeria
military statement credited to General Chris Olukolade didn’t offer much hope
for Bama, as the terse statement merely stated that the attack on Bama was
“being repelled.”
An intelligence source said reinforcements were underway
to Bama from Maiduguri, but our own sources said
only a few soldiers, in four armored tanks, were seen near Yezaram River. He added that the unit was in no way capable
of re-taking Bama from the militants.
SaharaReporters had reported earlier about soldiers
fleeing the battle into Maiduguri
after being overwhelmed by the invading Islamists. Their barracks also received friendly fire
from an Air Force jet.
Over 100 injured soldiers are receiving treatment at the
MRS Hospital in Maimalari Barracks.
Several soldiers have died while others are still missing.
Reference: saharareporters
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