Reports emerging from Bama, in Borno State, indicate that Boko Haram militants have taken over control of the city.
The state’s second-largest city was attacked earlier today by the militants. That first attack was initially repelled by Nigerian troops, but the militants appear to have returned in greater force, leading some of the soldiers to follow fleeing civilians in an effort to escape.
Residents are saying tonight that Boko Haram has completely overrun the city and hoisted its flag in the city center.
A Nigeria military statement credited to General Chris Olukolade didn’t offer much hope for Bama, as the terse statement merely stated that the attack on Bama was “being repelled.”
An intelligence source said reinforcements were underway to Bama from Maiduguri, but our own sources said only a few soldiers, in four armored tanks, were seen near Yezaram River. He added that the unit was in no way capable of re-taking Bama from the militants.
SaharaReporters had reported earlier about soldiers fleeing the battle into Maiduguri after being overwhelmed by the invading Islamists. Their barracks also received friendly fire from an Air Force jet.
Over 100 injured soldiers are receiving treatment at the MRS Hospital in Maimalari Barracks. Several soldiers have died while others are still missing.