Sporadic Gunshots, Explosions As Boko Haram ‘Takes Over’ Adamawa Community

Abdullahi HammedMarch 18, 2019

0 1 minute read

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists are currently on the rampage in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Hordes of residents have escaped to the mountains to take refuge, while those trapped in their homes were crying with deafening sounds of gunshots followed by explosions in the background. The insurgents, SaharaReporters understands, also had the audacity to enter a filling station to refuel some of their cars.

“Boko Haram has taken over michika,” a resident screamed to SaharaReporters on the phone before going off the line abruptly.

Narrating the incident, a resident of Michika who simply gave his name as Sebastian, told SaharaReporters: “It’s really sad for us in Michika, because Boko Haram guys have struck again. Personally, I’m not in Michika at the moment, but my mum and siblings have managed to escape to the mountains where they’re taking refuge as I speak with you. Only God can help us now.”

Adamu Daniel, another resident, said: “I called home from Maiduguri only to hear my sister’s cries and I could hear a loud bang in the background; shortly thereafter, her phone went off. I’m so scared now and I haven’t been able to reach them again.”

Wosini Marwa, a resident of the neighbouring Bazza town, said: “We heard that Boko Haram people have entered a village called Kwapa, between Shuwa and Michika, so we’ve been placed on red alert.”

Also a former Michika Local Council Chairman, who preferred not to be named, confirmed: “Presently, we have fled to the mountains. Only God knows what will happen to us.”

However, the state Police Command could not confirm the attack outright, as Othman Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), told our correspondent: “I’m getting to hear about the attack from you, but please give me some time to verify what happened.”

As of the time of filing this report, he had not responded.

Michika is one of the 14 LGAs where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to conduct supplementary governorship election on March 23, 2019.