Boko Haram Militants Take Over Damaturu-Maiduguri Road

Reports say Boko Haram militants have taken over the highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu, capitals of Borno and Yobe states respectively.
Boko Haram members posing with assault rifles somewhere in a forest of the North East. Photo: Dailymail
According to Premium Times, a police officer stationed in one of the villages along the highway said travelers are being asked to return as the terrorists have taken over the road between Benisheik (a town 85km away from Maiduguri) and Ngamdu (35km away from Damaturu).
The officer, who asked that his identity be protected for security reasons, said the terrorists had attacked Ngamdu village and killed at least 11 persons there.
“As I am talking to you now, soldiers are moving towards Benisheik, while we are here asking motorists to return to Maiduguri until the road is cleared,” he said.
According to a Ngamdu resident, Kyari Sanda, the villagers had just finished an evening prayers when Boko Haram gunmen invaded the village.
“They opened fire instantly. We lost 11 people and now almost half our village was set ablaze. They took all of our supplies,” the resident said.
Danlami Ajaokuta, from the civilian militia force, also confirmed the attack, adding that it happened on Friday at about 8:00 pm.
Few hours ago, a fresh blast suspected to be from a vehicle loaded with explosives occurred in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.