From Umar Dankano,Yola.
Three soldiers and a civilian woman have been reported killed in what seems to be a reprisal attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Garaha district in Adamawa state.
Reports from the area indicated that the terrorists launched the deadly attack on Saturday at 11:00 pm blocking the said community from different directions shooting sporadically over running a military camp in the location.
The terrorists attack was described by survivors interviewed as coordinated in nature with the insurgents striking in a commando tactics through paths of the community including Dabna and Lar axis where some infrastructures including primary school razed down during the exchange of fire.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that, the attackers advanced,catching the military personnel off guard despite their alertness and initial resistance but were unfortunately overpowered by the invaders.
According to Isaiah Yerima, the troops tried assiduously but were overwhelmed by the insurgents which informed their military camp to be burnt beyond comprehension
“The military men were set and alerted and began to exchange gunshots in an effort to repel them, but unfortunately the entire military camp was invaded and burnt down.
” Those attackers ambushed the soldiers from the rear via the Lar axis, resulting in the deaths of three military personnel. A civilian woman was tragically killed by a stray bullet while attempting to flee the violence.
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“As I’m talking to you, no structure is left at the military base except the Living Faith Church and the soldiers’ bravery gave a good fight but they lost everything including food, clothing, and personal belongings. I appeal to Nigerians to pray for the troops”. Yerima recounted.
The insurgents were reported to have looted weapons from the overrun camp, including an armoured vehicle, before igniting inferno in the camp as the locals asserted that the fierce gun battle lasted approximately one hour and 48 minutes into Sunday morning leaving the area in tension,fear and uncertainty.
Confirming the incident, the chairman of
Hong local government area, Alhaji Usman Inuwa said it was true the town (Garaha) was attacked by insurgents leaving three soldiers dead.
Inuwa while calling on the federal and state governments to adopt security strategies that will ensure lasting peace and harmony in the zone applauded the efforts of the military.
