Skip to main content

JUST IN: Boko Haram abducts 35 passengers


By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

At least 35 passengers were on Friday abducted by Boko Haram insurgents along Damaturu-Maiduguri road.

Military sources who disclosed the incident said the insurgents attacked a large convoy of commuters near Garin Kuturu in Jakana at about 5 pm on Friday.

The insurgents, who reportedly appeared in military uniforms, were said to have mounted a roadblock on the highway with five Hilux vans before taking away the passengers.

“The passengers first sighted a burning fire, but they thought it was bush burning, not knowing that they had already ambushed a Dangote’s truck driver and set it ablaze,” a source said.


“But while they were approaching the scene, they sighted the insurgents storming towards them on trucks mounted with heavy weapons, before they could turn their vehicles to run, the insurgents had already caught up with them.

“Many of the passengers fled to the bush, 35 were abducted, two private vehicles and one truck were set ablaze. Nine vehicles of the abducted passengers were also abandoned at the scene while their properties were looted, ” he added.

A senior police officer from the Crack team in Maiduguri who preferred anonymity said 10 passengers were rescued while those who sustained injuries were taken to Maiduguri Specialist Hospital for treatment.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tinubu’s campaign coordinator dumps APC for ADC

Image
A former campaign coordinator for President Bola Tinubu, Aliyu Saulawa, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defection took place on Sunday in Katsina, during the inauguration of the ADC’s state chapter Saulawa, who once served as the Director of Media for the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation and National Coordinator of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement, said he could no longer continue with the ruling party due to its failure to address key issues, especially in the North. He pointed to insecurity, economic struggles, and unfulfilled promises as reasons for his decision. The event in Katsina saw hundreds of members from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also dump their parties to join the ADC. The gathering, held at the Continental Event Centre, was led by Dr Mustapha Inuwa and attracted defectors from all 34 local govern...
Read more

“Let’s Test Popularity,” Byuan Challenges Alia for Benue APC Ticket

Image
By Aviashima Toom  A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Mathias Byuan, has declared that he will not step down for the incumbent governor, Hyacinth Alia, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Byuan made the declaration on Monday in Abuja shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to the party’s leadership. He reaffirmed his determination to contest the APC governorship ticket against Alia, whom he also faced during the party’s 2023 primaries. His position comes amid ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Benue APC, where party leaders have reportedly pushed for the endorsement of all incumbent officeholders seeking re-election. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had earlier suggested that elected officials from the State Assembly to the National Assembly—should be supported to return alongside the governor. However, Byuan dismissed the idea of an autom...
Read more

Flood Alert: Benue Basin Water Levels Near Flood, designates camps in 18 Local Government

Image
From Aviashima Toom, Abuja  SAHEL ReportersNews: Benue State Government and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have raised the alarm saying the rising water levels along the River Benue Basin have neared flooding any moment from now. Towards this end, the Benue State Government has designated camps in 18 Local Government Areas to shift would-be victims of flood. Data released by NIHSA yesterday showed a steady increase in water levels, approaching the flood threshold. “Water levels recorded at key gauge stations are alarming, with Wuro Boki at 6.36 metres and Jimeta Bridge at 5.04 metres. “Ibbi station stands at 8.2 metres, Makurdi at 9.4 metres, and Lokoja (Niger River) at 8. 68 metres,” the report said. It noted that the rising waters, especially at Makurdi and Ibbi, had placed the River Benue Basin on high alert. The agency advised immediate preventive measures in states along the river, particularly those previously identified as flood-prone. “The wat...
Read more