Residents: Boko Haram Raids Two Northeast Nigeria Towns

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram islamic sect on Thursday (Dec 4) stormed two towns in northeast Nigeria, raiding banks and burning government buildings as well as political party offices, residents told AFP.

Scores of gunmen dressed in military uniform arrived in Bajoga, 60 kilometres from Gombe city in a convoy of 20 vehicles at about 7:00am (2pm Singapore time). Troops managed to push the attackers out and they then drove towards the town of Ashaka, five kilometres near the border with Yobe State to the northeast.

In Bajoga, residents said the militants shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greater) and fired indiscriminately before burning down a police station in a three-hour battle with troops. "They raided two banks and set fire to offices of political parties. They also set sections of the local government secretariat on fire," said a resident.

Another resident, Sani Dankani, said the sound of gunfire and explosions forced him to flee into the nearby bush. "From where I'm standing, I can see billows of black smoke coming from different parts of the town," he added.

A local schoolteacher Sa'adu Balarabe, said troop reinforcements were sent from Gombe and a military jet which bombed the militants forced them to withdraw.

Residents in Ashaka reported exchange of fire between troops and the gunmen in the town from about 11am. "All we can hear is sounds of guns and explosions," a resident said. "Heavy fighting is now going on between the gunmen and soldiers. A military jet is encircling the town," added another local, Altine Badamasi.