Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has come out to say that Baga town in Borno State remained under the control of the Nigerian military, despite reports that Boko Haram had chased the troops and taken over the community they had occupied in the past.
Tukur confirmed that although the insurgents tried to do exactly that, the military successfully countered their attacks and remain in charge in the town.
Maj-Gen. L.O. Adeosun also agreed and said: “Our troops have taken control of Baga town and its environs. Baga, as I speak with you, is not in the hands of Boko Haram insurgents. They contested it, but lost the battle in the last 24 hours of attacks on our base.”
Meanwhile, thousands of Baga residents, who escaped to Maiduguri with their personal belongings, were seen at the motor park, yesterday morning.
Women and kids, were yet to be provided with shelter and food by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) as at late afternoon.
“We are just arriving from Baga town, after paying N10, 000 taxi fares to reach Maiduguri. Even though none of my family members and neighbours was killed, I fear that the insurgents may kill us.
“The insurgents could not capture Baga military base since last Wednesday when they attempted to overrun the battalion headquarters,” Modu Abba told The Guardian at Baga Road Motor Park.
He further revealed that more fleeing Baga residents were expected to arrive at the Maiduguri motor park by evening.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate