Many Feared Killed, Houses Burnt Down As Boko Haram Storm Yobe

Many residents are feared killed in a fresh attack by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, at Bara town of Gulani local government area of Yobe State.

The town is about 109km from Damaturu, the state capital.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, according to residents, was the fiercest attack in recent time.


Speaking to newsmen on Thursday in Damaturu, residents said the militants burnt down houses, shops, foodstuffs, among other valuables using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

“They stormed the town chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ as locals took to their heels into the bushes for safety”, a resident Mallam Sule Yaji told newsmen in Damaturu.

He disclosed that the insurgents, who arrived the town in large number burnt several houses during the coordinated attack.

He said that some of the residents caught up in the houses set ablaze were receiving treatment at Bajoga Hospital in neighbouring Gombe State.


A top police officer, who confirmed the attack, said that the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Zannah Ibrahim, had since rushed to the scene of the attack to assess the extent of havoc caused in the town.

Casualty figure, according to him, was not yet known.

The town currently lacks basic amenities and telecom services, which have been vandalised by the militants.