Insurgents now using long range weapons, says Zulum

Insurgents now using long range weapons, says Zulum

By John Eche

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has said that Tuesday’s attack by Boko Haram insurgents on the state capital, Maiduguri involved the use of long range weapons.

He disclosed this in a statement that he made after he had personally visited victims of Boko Haram attacks in two hospitals on Wednesday.

‘It was as a result of long distance shots fired by the insurgents. I believe this is a new trend we have to raise up and stop. We experienced a similar incident exactly one year ago. The solution is to deploy an appropriate form of technology, which will have to work on,’ the governor said.

Sources say that the Boko Haram insurgents that have been terrorising the North East part of Nigeria for a decade now had fired shots from their Rocket Propelled Grenades at residents in several suburbs of Maiduguri on Tuesday.

Beginning from the Kaleri outskirts of Maiduguri, the grenades reportedly hit Gwange and Adam kolo communities in the inner city, including a children’s playground in Gwange.

“Indeed it is a very sad moment for the people and government of Borno state, about 60 persons were affected, among them, 10 have died. I share the pains of all those affected but we are not just visiting hospitals, we do so much behind the scene in our combined responses to the Boko Haram insurgency and we will keep making these and more efforts,” Zulum added.

He also confirmed earlier reports that Marte had come under serious insurgents fire but stopped short of confirming media reports that it had indeed been occupied by Boko Haram who had been reported as having also hoisted their flags in the town.

“I am optimistic that the insurgents will not take over Marte again,” he enthused.