From TIMOTHY OLA, Maiduguri
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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Corpses of Islamist militants killed by security agents in Maiduguri on Monday •Photo: The Sun Publishing |
No fewer than 4,000 people have been displaced in several parts of Borno State, following the violent attacks by Islamist militancy group, led by Mohammed Yusuf, just as panic gripped residents over fresh attacks on military formations and perceived enemies of the sect on Tuesday morning.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) told journalists in Maiduguri on Tuesday that the displaced persons were at the Maimalari and Giwa Barracks, as well as the state Police Command headquarters.
NEMA Assistant Zonal Coordinator, Apollus Jediel, who was at the Maiduguri Government House to present relief materials to the state Governor, Sen. Ali Sheriff, said the zonal office was directed by its headquarters in Abuja to bring food items and beddings to the state government for distribution to the displaced persons, regretting the unfortunate incident, which had put the people of the state in fear.
The insurgence of the militants entered its second day in Maiduguri on Tuesday as the group mounted roadblocks at Galadima junction up till Railway Terminus area, which serves as their operational base.
Residents living around the area were seen escaping to other parts of the metropolis believed to be out of the control of the sect. A police station was also burnt.
Daily Sun gathered that about 200 members of the sect invaded the 21 Armored Brigade on Monday night with the intent of killing the Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. KAS Yahaya, but were quickly rounded up and shot by vigilant soldiers.
The combined team of police, SSS and army battled the group in the night as gunshots kept many residents awake throughout the night. By Tuesday morning, some corpses of the radical Islamic sect killed during gun battle with the police were seen in front of the state police headquarters along Jos/Kano.
Already, 6 light armoured tanks with additional soldiers and anti-riot mobile policemen were flown from the 3 Armoured Division in Jos to quell the insurgence.
The operation, which was said to be at the instance of President Yar’Adua was targeted at destroying the enclave of the sect in the metropolis. Sources said the leader of the sect, Malam Mohammed Yusuf, who had earlier planned to escape to the nearest country was persuaded by his lieutenants to stay ‘to complete the holy war’.
As at the time of filing this report, Borno State Governor, Ali Sheriff, was holding security meeting with all security chiefs in the state and the GOC 3 Armoured Division, Jos, Maj. Gen. Saleh Maina, who flew into Maiduguri on Tuesday with the armoured tanks to review the security situation in the state.
Residents wait anxiously to see the end of the crisis and continue their normal activities.
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