We Were Behind Bombings In Damaturu, And There Will Be More - Boko Haram

DAMATURU, June 21, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s nemesis of the last two years, the Boko Haram Islamist sect, on Thursday claimed responsibility for attacks that resulted in the killing of more than 40 people in the northern city of Damaturu, Yobe State.

In an apparently inessential email that only served to validate already known public belief that the group masterminded the blasts, Boko Haram promised even deadlier attacks in the coming weeks.

“We assure all that the success of the Damaturu operation is really a sign that very soon, Allah will give us the chance of overthrowing this unjust and heathen government and replacing it with an Islamic system which is just,” the statement, obtained by THEWILL, said.

Monday evening’s attack began with blasts directed at Police and military targets in the state capital, followed by countless hours of gun salvo all over the city that extended to the afternoon of the following day. At least two schools were also incinerated.

Patrick Egbuniwe, Commissioner of Police (CP) in Yobe, confirmed that among the scores killed in the attacks were at least 34 civilians and at least four policemen and two soldiers. “The terrorists are trying to show that they can't be stopped,” Egbuniwe had said.

Meanwhile, the Yobe State government has relaxed an earlier-imposed 24-hour curfew on Damaturu by six hours. According to a government statement on Thursday, movement within Damaturu metropolis is now permitted only between 10am and 4pm. Members of the public were warned to remain in their homes at any other hour.

Other parts of the state, though, would enjoy more hours of freedom of movement, with Potiskum town enjoying a 6am-to-6pm movement and all other regions of the state having freedom to move only between 10am and 6pm.

“The state government appreciates people’s patience and understanding over the last few days and calls on them to continue to cooperate with security agents and assist them in every way possible in their efforts to ensure peace and security, as the task of ensuring and maintaining security is not just for the security agents alone but for every law abiding citizen,” the statement observed.

“The governor prays the Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant peace, security and prosperity to our State and the nation in general and calls on members of the general public not to relent in their prayers for peace the statement conclude.”