Boko Haram Writes Chibok Community, Threatens Fresh Attack; Abduction Committee Submits Report This Week

THERE was panic in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, where over 200 female students of Government Girls’ Secondary School were abducted by Islamic militants, Boko Haram, following a letter purportedly written to the people of Chibok by the sect members, informing them of their plans to attack the local government again.

A top local government official in Chibok town, who did not want his name published, revealed this to newsmen in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday.

According to him, when the letter purportedly written by the sect was presented to the police, residents were assured of maximum protection.

“Yet, the police are also complaining of shortage of fuel for their vehicles, as  petrol was not being sold in the local government for fear that the insurgents may use it to burn houses,” he said.

According to the source, the local government had also assured the security operatives that they would buy fuel and keep it with them for their use.

It was also gathered that the council had asked the security agents to ask for reinforcement, as the number of security operatives in the area might not be sufficient to face the insurgents.

“Whenever Boko Haram tells you that they are coming, they never fail to come. Our fears now is that, we don’t know when and how they are going to come, but our people are in great fear.

“We are calling for prayers, as well as on government to provide adequate security in Chibok,” he said.

Abduction: Committee to submit report to Jonathan this week

The report on the abduction of over 200 girls in Chibok will be submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan by the fact-finding committee, this week.

This was made known on Monday by the coordinator of National Information Centre (NIC), Mr Mike Omeri, while addressing newsmen in Abuja.

Omeri, however, appealed to Nigerians and international communities for more understanding and patience towards the effort of the government to rescue the girls.

In another development, Omeri revealed that Nigerian troops had apprehended seven terrorists who infiltrated Maiduguri, Borno State capital, to carry out terrorist missions.

He said in the course of interrogation, the terrorists said they were asked to carry out some bombings and sabotage activities in furtherance of directives of the leadership of the terrorist group.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) boss, however, said further investigations, patrol and surveillance had been stepped up by the troops.

Speaking on the kidnap of a construction worker in Plateau, Omeri said the victim, who had since been released, is a Lebanese national as against media reportage, labelling him a Briton.

He said that the Lebanese was abducted by some armed bandits in Lantang, Plateau State, on Sunday night, but was freed through the efforts of security forces in Angwan Bala in Wase Local Government Area of the state.

Tribune Newspaper