Modu Ba'masa, a resident of Jakana, said: “We are not safe at all because three days ago, there were rumours everywhere that they were planning to attack Jakana town, and we went to inform the both police and military but nothing was done about it until they allowed them to come and attack. It is bad!”
At least 13 persons were killed and many others sustained gun wounds when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military formation in Borno on Thursday evening, vigilante and civilian sources have told SaharaReporters.
The militants stormed Jakana in military fatigue at about 6pm and attacked the army base and a police station, raining bullets on the structures and razing the police station. They also killed four soldiers and two mobile policemen in the process.
A vigilante source said seven Boko Haram fighters were killed and several of them were injured in the gun battle, while nine civilians were wounded as well.
“The terrorists came with several anti-aircraft gun,” the vigilante source said.
“The battle lasted for about three hours. Unfortunately, some gallant soldiers lost their lives while preventing the invaders.
“There were casualties on both sides. Although four soldiers lost their lives to the attackers, they met stiff resistance from military. The police station was burnt down and, unfortunately, two policemen lost their lives.”[story_link align="left"]61495[/story_link]
Modu Ba'masa, a resident of Jakana, frowned at the security agencies for not being proactive about the attack.
“Apart from soldiers and policemen who were killed, nine villagers were injured in the crossfire. If they acted earlier, it wouldn't have happened,” Ba’masa told SaharaReporters.
“We are not safe at all because three days ago, there were rumours everywhere that they were planning to attack Jakana town, and we went to inform the both police and military but nothing was done about it until they allowed them to come and attack. It is bad!”
Earlier, the Borno State Police Command confirmed the attacks but quickly said it was successfully repelled by men of the commands.
DSP Edet Okon, Police Public Relations Officer, issued a statement in Maiduguri on Friday, saying: “Yesterday being 26/07/18 at about 17:42 hrs, Boko Haram terrorists in about 30 vehicles launched attack on Jakana, Konduga L.G.A. of Borno State. The Police combat units of SARS and CTU were deployed for reinforcement. The insurgents were successfully repelled by security forces.”