Boko Haram Scare Forces Motorists From Maiduguri - Damaturu Highway

BEVERLY HILLS, February 21, (THEWILL) - The fear of falling into the trap of Boko Haram insurgents Friday forced motorists and passengers away from the busy Maiduguri-Damaturu highway in Borno State.

Unconfirmed report had filtered into Maiduguri, the state capital, that Boko Haram insurgents were planning to wreak havoc along the highway and had actually laid siege to the Maiduguri-Beneshiek axis thus forcing passengers and motorists alike to beat a quick retreat from the road like a plaque.

Hundreds of travelers and motorists from the Damaturu end of the road were therefore forced to make a detour to the neighbouring Yobe State just as many who were stranded at the motorpark said they would rather pass the night at tha park.

"We hurriedly reversed and returned to Damaturu, 30 minutes after we passed the town.

Those who had gone earlier warned us to reverse because the insurgents are on the road," a traveller on the highway said.

Another traveller, Malam Abdul Kabir, who was returning from Kano said he was forced to make a U-turn after he was informed of the situation on the road.

He disclosed that "Over 50 vehicles coming from Abuja, Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi had to return to Damaturu.

," adding "There is speculation that Boko Haram men have returned to the road again and everybody was afraid to pass the road.

" However, the State Commissioner of Police, Lawan Tanko, could not be reached for confirmation when filing this report.