During the violence, the insurgents also blew up the Katarko Bridge, which links Damaturu to their stronghold; Buni Yadi, the capital of Gujba Local Government Area of the state which connects Yobe and neighbouring Borno and Adamawa states.
Eight people have been confirmed killed by Boko Haram militants in Katarko, 25 kilometers south of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
Residents say the insurgents stormed the town at about 7:30pm on Monday and first attacked the military base in the town before wreaking havoc on some houses and killing the eight residents in an attack that lasted over seven hours.
“They came here and launched an unsuccessful attack on a military base before embarking on some selective killings within town living us with eight casualties presently being prepared for burial,” a resident told Channels Television in Damaturu.
During the violence, the insurgents also blew up the Katarko Bridge, which links Damaturu to their stronghold; Buni Yadi, the capital of Gujba Local Government Area of the state which connects Yobe and neighbouring Borno and Adamawa states.
This is the first time Boko Haram militants are attacking Katarko since they commenced serious hostilities in 2009.
Meanwhile, two Boko Haram suspects have been arrested in Damaturu metropolis in possession of improvised explosive devices, with the intention of causing havoc in the troubled northeast state of Nigeria.