(AFP) – Explosions rocked parts of Maiduguri Saturday as troops engaged suspected Islamic radicals and raided homes, residents said.
The explosions, which began late Friday, occurred in three neighbourhoods notorious for attacks blamed on the Boko Haram sect, and residents fled as troops went door-to-door arresting people suspected of complicity, they said.
“Last night, there were explosions in Gwange area which went on till the late hours and today the explosions continued in Kalari and Budum neighbourhoods,” Modu Ari, a Budum resident, told AFP by phone from the city.
“Soldiers moved from house to house arresting people, forcing residents to flee their homes to escape arrest,” said Ari, who had left his house with his family on Saturday.
Ali Faltaye, a resident of Kalari, said troops battled suspected sect members in the area, sending residents fleeing to avoid being caught up in the fighting or arrested by soldiers.
“Since morning loud explosions have been going on in the area and soldiers have been breaking into homes making arrests”, Faltaye said.
Military and police authorities were not available for comment.
Troops from Joint Task Force who were deployed in the city two years ago to combat Boko Haram have been accused of burning homes and committing rights violations against residents whom they accuse of complicity with Boko Haram whenever there is an attack blamed on the sect.
The soldiers have denied such accusations.
The group has stepped up bomb and gun attacks since the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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I believe whot is happening in the north is a call for well meaning northaners to raise against the sponsors of this deadly group.they kmow them I believe so.those men who threaten the nation not to go against Zoning are behind all this innocent death.this is not a battle between North N sauth,Or Christian N muslim.and GOD will never allow it to be.but those behind this GOD must punish them N the whole Nigeria will see.
ReplyDeleteIf u ppl will critically look at this pictures, u will see that those ppl are non-Nigerians. No northern legitimate northerner is fair in complexion. Something is wrong! Our borders have loopholes! The Lord of host shall fight for us. Pls, let children of God pray harder. They and their coomplicity shall not go scot-free. One day, Boko Haram shall become extinct in our community and even in Nigeria (Prophesy).
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