Again, Boko Haram Seizes Another Local Govt In Yobe
SAN FRANCISCO, September 03, (THEWILL) - Barely a month after Boko Haram seized Gujba, a town in Gujba Council Area of Yobe State, the insurgents Tuesday captured Bara, the headquarters of Gulani Local Government Area of the state thus bringing to two the number of Local Government Areas under the control of the insurgents in the State.
The insurgents who stormed the town immediately took over the council secretariat and the Local Government Lodge.
The recent capture is the climax of their effort in the area as they had earlier cut- off Gulani and Gujba from Damaturu after blowing off the Katarko Bridge about a month ago.
Giving a graphic detail of the seizure of the town, a local resident, Ibrahim, who managed to flee, told THEWILL that: 'The boys entered the town yesterday afternoon in Hilux cars and motor cycles preaching at different places.
'They went to the Government Lodge and the Local Government secretariat complex where they are now occupying. People were afraid but they kept on announcing that they only came to do the work of Allah (God) but not to kill anybody.
'They were preaching that people should leave their government work and join them in working for Allah alone.'
His disclosure came as the Member representing Gulani in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Kukuwa, also confirmed the seizure of his local government by the insurgents.
'As I speak with you now, the whole of my Local Government has been taken over by these boys. They are doing what they want. It is very unfortunate that government is not taking drastic action over this matter,' Kukuwa said.
Local residents also disclosed that the insurgents are in full control as they move freely across the various towns and villages in the two Local Government Areas preaching and explaining their mission.
The AK-47- wielding terrorists were said to have been addressing local residents at Goneri, Ambiya, Buni-Yadi, Gujba and Buni-Gari in the Gujba Council Area as well as in Kukuwa Gari, Bularafa, Bumsa and Bara town in Gulani Local Government Area convincing them to join the terror group.
According to a local resident, 'The boys (Boko Haram insurgents) often move from town to town and gather the people for open preaching, asking for the support of the people in joining the group which is aimed at instituting Shariah legal system in the region.'
He said though the gunmen allowed the residents to ask questions, people are always careful not to provoke them as this may bring a death sentence on such a person
'They give time for questions but nobody asked why they are killing or kidnapping people because everyone is afraid of death as such a question may provoke them,' he said.
He stated further: 'When they realised that people were panicking, they went to the Ward head's house and registered their arrival, telling him that their coming was just to preach and not to harm anyone. The insurgents called the early morning prayers, led the prayers and preached for over an hour before going back to the Government Lodge where they camped.'
Local residents said the insurgents are usually dressed in half military uniforms armed with their AK-47 rifles brandished on their shoulders as they drive freely in motorcycles as well as in pick-up vehicles suspected to have been snatched from security operatives and motor cycles.