Heavily armed militants, suspected members of Boko Haram, attacked Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state, in late October.
It appears that hundreds of members of the Muslim terrorist sect took part in the surprise offensive in an area that hosts government institutions but is also dominated by Christians. The militants also attacked a hospital, stole drugs and drove off in ambulances. The death toll of the gun battle between the militants and the army, which lasted several hours, has not been confirmed.
A resident told Nigerian media: ‘It was a coordinated onslaught by the insurgents. They divided themselves into so many groups’.
Phone lines cut
Another report said: ‘Efforts to reach Christians in the town by telephone proved futile as all lines have been cut. That is common practice during attacks such as these. We have been able to contact Christians who live in areas away from the capital. They expressed great worry over the safety of their friends and family in Damaturu.
‘This city has suffered many attacks in the past and is now under a dusk-till-dawn curfew. Every single day there are believers who lose loved ones and see destruction of their property.’
